On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles met in an exciting Week 3 matchup that was close until the final whistle. Among the excitement, many on social media called out Saints defensive lineman Payton Turner for what he did to Devonta Smith.
The interaction came when Smith was hit hard from behind while being tackled. His helmet flew off as a result, and he was later ruled out of the game with a concussion.
After people got a closer look at the play, many started accusing Turner of spitting on Smith as he lay on the ground injured.
It appears as if Saints DL Payton Turner spits on Devonta Smith after this play.
Devonta Smith has been ruled out with a concussion after this hit.
There was no flag thrown on the play. pic.twitter.com/nvPD23Q1YV
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) September 22, 2024
After receiving a lot of hate on his social media accounts, Turner tweeted his response.
However, many people don’t believe Turner or what he has to say about the situation.
“See, the problem is, we all have working eyeballs and there’s about 34 angles of it being shown. Try again, sir, perhaps with an apology this time,” said one comment.
“There’s like 10 angles of it you fucking idiot lol. Nice try.” said another.
If the league intervenes and decides that there is definitive proof that Turner actually did it, there’s certainly a chance he will be fined and possibly suspended.
Payton Turner Has Not Lives Up To Expectations In New Orleans
Turner is entering his fourth year in the NFL after being drafted by the Saints in the first round in 2021.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t lived up to what is expected of such a high-draft pick.
Throughout his career, he has recorded just three sacks, eight tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, and 29 total tackles.
The Saints ultimately declined Turner’s fifth-year option as it would have guaranteed him $13.36 million in 2025.
