Le’Veon Bell Slams Dirty Hit on Shedeur Sanders – “One of the Dirtiest Plays I’ve Seen” as Quarterback Faces Dangerous Tackle in Loss to Kansas

In a pivotal moment late in the second quarter, the Buffaloes were fighting to close a nine-point deficit. Shedeur Sanders, displaying his usual poise, managed to scramble out of the pocket and deliver a pass downfield. However, what followed shocked fans and players alike. Jayhawks defensive end Dean Miller charged at Sanders at full speed, crashing into his knees headfirst after the ball was released.

While an official initially threw a flag, indicating a potential roughing the passer penalty, the decision was reversed after a brief discussion among the referees. The lack of a penalty left many, including Bell, fuming. The former Steelers running back took to social media platform X, writing:

“One of the dirtiest plays I’ve seen in a long time… Players like this shouldn’t be in the NFL ever, kinda reminds me of someone else.”

Although Bell didn’t name names, fans quickly speculated that he was alluding to notorious former Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict, whose reputation for dirty hits is well-documented. Bell himself suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2015 after a controversial tackle from Burfict, giving him firsthand experience with reckless play.

Shedeur Sanders Speaks Out

Following the game, Sanders didn’t shy away from addressing the controversial hit during his post-game press conference. The quarterback questioned the leniency shown by officials, expressing his disbelief over the lack of a penalty:

“I just don’t know how that’s legal. Overall like, I understand that but, you know it is what it is. There’s a couple of plays like that.”

Sanders also referenced another questionable play in the second half. After being brought down by two defenders, the Jayhawks players appeared to go beyond the whistle, shoving Sanders to the ground and aggressively trying to strip the ball. To make matters worse, another player intentionally tripped and fell on top of him. The lack of officiating response clearly frustrated the young quarterback, leading to a moment where he shoved a nearby official out of sheer exasperation.

Le’Veon Bell’s Empathy: A History of Controversy

Bell’s impassioned reaction to the hit on Sanders is rooted in his personal history with dangerous tackles. His 2015 injury at the hands of Burfict was a turning point in his career, sidelining him during a crucial stretch for the Steelers. Speaking out against Miller’s tackle, Bell highlighted the importance of holding players accountable for reckless behavior on the field.

The NFL and NCAA have worked to reduce dangerous plays, but incidents like this remind fans of the challenges in enforcing safety consistently. Bell’s call for stricter consequences is a sentiment echoed by many who watched Sanders’ close call.

Shedeur Sanders’ Resilience

Despite the rough treatment and a frustrating night for Colorado’s defense, Shedeur Sanders delivered a strong performance. Completing 23 of 29 passes for 266 yards and three touchdowns, Sanders showcased why he remains one of college football’s most exciting quarterbacks. His ability to rise above adversity, even in a 37-21 loss, speaks volumes about his talent and tenacity.

However, the night wasn’t without its toll. Leaving Arrowhead Stadium with both a loss and memories of unsportsmanlike conduct from opponents, Sanders’ frustrations were palpable.

The Need for Accountability in Football

The incident raises broader questions about player safety and officiating in football. As the sport continues to grapple with balancing physicality and protection, moments like these serve as a reminder of the stakes involved. Whether in the NCAA or the NFL, the need for clear rules and consistent enforcement has never been more critical.

Le’Veon Bell’s vocal stance shines a light on an issue that resonates beyond individual games. For Sanders, this may be a learning moment, but for the sport as a whole, it’s a wake-up call. Ensuring that dangerous plays are met with appropriate penalties is essential to safeguarding the integrity of the game.

Shedeur Sanders’ experience against the Kansas Jayhawks underscores a growing need for accountability in football. With high-profile voices like Le’Veon Bell calling out dangerous hits, will leagues take a harder stance on reckless play? For Sanders and his teammates, the focus now shifts to bouncing back from the loss and channeling their frustration into future victories. For fans, the hope is that moments like this pave the way for a safer, fairer game.