Eric Reid addresses late hit on Ben Watson

Eric Reid addressed his late hit on Ben Watson following Thursday night’s Carolina Panthers-New England Patriots game.

Watson caught a pass late in the first quarter and was going for the first down marker before being tackled. After Watson was down on the ground, Reid came flying in and hit him late.

The Panthers safety was asked about the hit after the game and said he was just trying to stop Watson and didn’t realize it was late, which is conceivable considering slow motion is totally different from the speed of a game.

Eric Reid on his hit on Ben Watson: "I was just trying to make sure I stopped him before he got to the first down. I talked to Ron (Rivera). He told me it was late. I’ll look at the film, (but) if Ron said it was late I believe him."

— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 23, 2019

We and other outlets brought up that Watson and Reid were in a political disagreement prior to the game and wondered whether that played a role in the hit. Reid did help Watson up after being penalized.

Reid did approach Watson after the hit pic.twitter.com/g6fb2T6JaD

— Michael Giardi (@MikeGiardi) August 23, 2019

Reid also said the hit was unintentional and that he was unaware Watson had tweeted about him.

Eric Reid said his hit on Ben Watson was not intentional. He was trying to stop him from getting a first down. He said he was not aware Watson had tweeted at him.

— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) August 23, 2019

Reid has been involved in headlines recently for calling out the NFL and those partnering with the league in efforts to improve communities and social matters. He is entering his second season with the Panthers.