Once were Loiners wrote:I'm not really sure about the rules, but both tackles look wrong and dangerous, as the impact is with the shoulder and low on the side of the leg. Given the extent of the injuries I don't think we can write them off as just an accident - Wellens is right to the extent that if these sorts of things can be prevented they should be. A tackler wouldn't do this front on as they'd be likely to get a knee in the face. From the back there's likely be no issue as the knee would just bend. I just don't think you should be able to hit with the shoulder that low on the side of the leg that its even close to the knee, as if the foot is grounded the knee's going to be in all sorts.
They both look just plain wrong and if not illegal they should be. The irony of the fact that Saints have sailed pretty close to the wind these last couple of years doesn't altar the validity of Wellens point. It's not only concussion that shortens carreers and impacts post career lives.
