Hellacious hit on Roosevelt sparks debate on penalty call, player safety

Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Namaan Roosevelt has left the game after being knocked unconscious against the Calgary Stampeders.

Roosevelt caught a pass over the middle when he collided with Stampeders’ defensive back Tunde Adeleke.

Adeleke was penalized for unnecessary roughness, though the hit has sparked a debate on social media on whether Roosevelt was as responsible for the severity of the collision by dropping his head before contact.

He put his helmet to the side, never lead with helmet, it's just the force of collision and Naaman bracing for hit. Hope he ok

— Nik Lewis (🐝, 🐝) 1126 (@nikel18) September 24, 2017

The only person with their helmet down was Naaman, he was bracing himself.

— Nik Lewis (🐝, 🐝) 1126 (@nikel18) September 24, 2017

Football is a violent sport, that's part of the danger. I wish injury on no one. Regardless of penalty hope Naaman is ok

— Nik Lewis (🐝, 🐝) 1126 (@nikel18) September 24, 2017

Discussing helmet to helmet should be looked at also from the ball carrier side. Not just the defender.

— Nik Lewis (🐝, 🐝) 1126 (@nikel18) September 24, 2017

If a defender goes at Ur chest and u duck 4 inches there will be helmet to helmet contact. It's not always intentional

— Nik Lewis (🐝, 🐝) 1126 (@nikel18) September 24, 2017

I've been in a lot of collisions and I know when contact is about to happen if I duck my head forward there will be contact to my head

— Nik Lewis (🐝, 🐝) 1126 (@nikel18) September 24, 2017

The call clearly upset Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson.

The Riders only netted five yards on the play because Saskatchewan receiver Duron Carter was flagged for objectionable conduct after barking at an official as players gathered around the injured Roosevelt.

But we’re giving the last word to Lewis because, well, he deserves it.

I would like to thank everyone who has responded that has caught more passes over the middle than me.

— Nik Lewis (🐝, 🐝) 1126 (@nikel18) September 24, 2017

Update: Roosevelt Tweeted he’s OK.

Thanks everybody for your prayers … I'm feeling better !!! #RiderNation 🍉

— Naaman Roosevelt (@nyce18) September 25, 2017