Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones gave Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper and unnecessary welcome to the NFL on Sunday when he slammed the rookie’s head against his helmet in the first half. Jones was unapologetic after the game, but Cooper handled the situation with class.
When asked about the play, the former Alabama star said he does not think Jones deserves to be suspended.
“Football is a physical game,” Cooper said after his team’s 33-13 loss, per Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. “Things like that happen. … I feel like the refs didn’t see it well. If they did, they probably would’ve given a harsher penalty.
“I don’t think he should be suspended. We were just playing physical. I should’ve been playing physical. Honestly, I didn’t even know I hit my head on the helmet.”
Jones didn’t exactly make it seem like an accident.
“Whatever you saw happen, that’s what happened,” he said. “I’m here to play football. I don’t back down from anybody and I’m not out here trying to start anything. I’m just out here playing football.”
You can see the video of Jones slamming Cooper’s head here.
Although Jones is a repeat offender who has even gone after teammates in the past, multiple reports indicate he could be fined by the NFL but will not be suspended.
In a separate incident, Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh avoided disciplinary action altogether for this kick to an opponent’s head area. Apparently the league did not want to come out firing early this season.
