Eric Reid says he reached out to Ben Watson to apologize for late hit

Eric Reid said he did not intentionally hit Benjamin Watson late during last week’s preseason game between the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots, but that did not stop the veteran defensive back from reaching out to apologize.

Reid, who has not heard from the NFL regarding the hit but is anticipating a fine, told reporters on Tuesday that he sent Watson a text message to apologize.

Eric Reid texted Ben Watson after last week’s game to apologize for the late hit. Reid said he got a text back from him.
Reid hasn’t heard from league yet, but says he would not be surprised if he is fined.

— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 27, 2019

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.

Watson ended up in the concussion protocol, and he made his feelings about the hit known publicly while responding to a couple fans on Twitter.

Hey sean. Yes I’m doing alright. Sucks to get injured on an illegal play. Thanks for checking in on me. What’s up in bmore?!

— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) August 24, 2019

Reid said he was just trying to prevent Watson from picking up a first down and did not realize the hit was late. What makes the situation more interesting is that the two players were in a political disagreement on Twitter days before the game, so some wondered if Reid targeted Watson. However, any conflict there might have been is likely resolved now that Reid extended an apology.