Multiple fights broke out during the Ram’s physical 34-11 win over the Cardinals. One such fight occurred after Cam Akers lowered his shoulder into Budda Baker during a first down run to the five yard line. It was evident to the viewers that Budda was injured, and Akers gestured tauntingly for Baker to stay down.
Not the best visual. Was it the classiest move to Tyron Lue a guy who had clearly lost control over his limbs? Certainly not. But anyone who believes that Akers knew the extent of the seriousness of the situation is a moron.
It was a mistake made in the the heat of the moment but a mistake nevertheless.
But let’s break down the heat of the moment for a second. Cam Akers is coming off an achilles injury that has claimed the career of just about every running back not named Adrian Peterson. And he did it in an astounding six months. I thought I was going to tear my achilles just watching his recovery video below.
So coming off an injury that had him calling his mother crying, doing it at a record pace, and then not only playing, but contributing heavily to a playoff win with 95 total yards - do we think that maybe Cam was a little jacked up? Of course he was and the moment got the best of him.
Not only that, but this kind of behavior used to not only be acceptable, but encouraged. But don’t take my word for it, watch this unforgettable segment of Patrice O’Neal on the decline of brutality in football.
“We’d be lookin for his mother crying, be like ‘that’s right lady, that’s what you get for letting him out here with killers.’ He can’t even wiggle his toes, take his socks.”
There’s still a gladiator mentality when someone steps out on the gridiron. Something primal comes out with a big hit, truck stick, or turnover. Up until very recently, celebrating that was part of the game. The officials, the league, and quite frankly, societal norms, have changed to force you to suppress emotions that appear involuntary.
I’m not excusing what Akers did or arguing that he should be allowed celebrate a dead body on the football field. What I’m saying is maybe we shouldn’t condemn the man who was obviously apologetic for a mistake he made in the heat of the moment.
“@thereal_cam3: Prays up to Budda 🙏🏾 I didn’t know he was hurt after the play but I have nothing but respect for him .”
Thankfully, it appears that Budda Baker has been released from the hospital and in good spirits. The star safety initially took to his Instagram from his hospital bed to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Budda also informed everyone that his tests came back clean and that he will make a full recovery.
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