Spear tackle erases doubts about NFL brutality

A horrifying spear tackle that went unpunished in the NFL has proven just how far the sport has to come if it wants to be considered a world leader in player safety.

Jacksonville’s Bryan Walters caught a pass and burst into the backfield against Baltimore over the weekend when his run was brought to an abrupt end by Ravens safety Will Hill.

The defender tipped Walters up before slamming him down on his head and shoulder in a quintessential spear tackle.

Had the incident occurred in one of Australia’s two rugby codes, Hill would have been facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines, but because it occurred in the NFL – where spear tackles are still legal – he walked away unpunished.Fortunately, Walters bounced straight back to his feet.

The NRL cracked down on lifting after the spinal injuries suffered by Alex McKinnon in a tackle in 2014.

Storm prop Jordan McLean was banned for seven games for his involvement in the incident, while NSW star Greg Bird missed the whole State of Origin series in 2015 after receiving an eight-week ban for a dangerous throw.