Panthers’ Haasan Reddick accuses Mac Jones of being a ‘dirty player’

After Panthers defensive end Brian Burns leveled Mac Jones with a blindside hit, knocking the ball free in the first half, replays showed Jones grabbing Burns’ leg after the ball came loose.

Burns stayed down with an apparent ankle injury, and after a trip to the medical tent, appeared fine.

But all’s not fine in Carolina with the play in question.

Linebacker Haasan Reddick, after watching the play live, accused Jones of being a “dirty player” following the Patriots 24-6 win.

“I definitely thought it was a dirty play,” said Reddick. “I actually saw and witnessed the play while it was happening .. . first, it looked like he was trying to trip or kick Burns. Next thing you know, I saw him tugging on Burns’ ankle. I thought it was completely dirty. Hopefully, it’s something the league addresses.”

Jones and Burns actually played on rival teams in high school, so it’s not their first encounter. The ball was recovered by the Panthers, who converted the strip sack into a field goal.

Reddick was asked if he was surprised Jones would do something like that.

“I think it was surprising to not see that a penalty wasn’t called,” he answered. “You know, it seems like they’re always protecting the offensive players. Where’s the protection for the defensive players, as well?

“I don’t know, I felt like that was a call that shouldn’t be missed. I’m going to speak out on it, whatever the consequences are. Whatever the referees feel, they feel, but it looked completely intentional from where I’m standing. And I was pretty close. I don’t think that was a call that should have been missed.”

Reddick said Burns was fine.

“He’s going to be all right,” he said.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3BUg7oH