Lions Star Aidan Hutchinson Facing NFL Punishment for J.J. McCarthy Incident
The Detroit Lions suffered a rough loss to the rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and it could get even more costly for star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
Hutchinson was flagged for unnecessary roughness in the second quarter of his team’s 27-24 loss after he stuck out his leg to bring down Vikings quarterback
Aidan Hutchinson May Need to Cough Up Some Money
The NFL reviews all games during the week and announces fines for players on Saturday afternoon, which could put Hutchinson in the league’s crosshairs.
Hutchinson has been in trouble with the NFL before, facing a $11,473 fine for an illegal hit against the Panthers in a 2023 game.
But the star Lions edge rusher has also avoided trouble for some fine-worthy hits as well. He laid a very late hit on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in a loss earlier this year, one that many expected would lead to a fine, but the league ultimately passed on giving Hutchinson a fine.
It may be more difficult to avoid punishment this time, as the league is strict on tripping plays. The league has already fined several players for a leg whip this season, including
J.J. McCarthy Delivers Message to Lions After Win
The Lions had a chance to seize control of the NFC North in Sunday’s game but fell flat, struggling on both sides of the ball in McCarthy’s return to the field after a long injury absence. The second-year quarterback poked fun at Lions head coach Dan Campbell, making reference to his 2021 introductory press conference and his promise of putting together an aggressive defense.
McCarthy took to Instagram to share some images from the game along with the boastful caption, “Knee caps are intact.”
McCarthy earned praise from his teammates for the win over the Lions, including tight end
“What a baller,” Hockenson said. “He’s a vet through and through. You wouldn’t think it by his age, but the way he carries himself, the way he performs on Sundays, and the way he operates our offense, it shows you that.”
For his part, McCarthy gave credit to his teammates for their part in the win.
“Obviously a lot of excitement … and I’m just so proud of the guys,” McCarthy said
The Lions will now try to rebound against a reeling Washington Commanders team. The Commanders lost quarterback Jayden Daniels to a dislocated elbow that is expected to keep him out for several weeks, and saw linebacker
Luvu was not flagged on the play but had been fined several times for illegal tackles. The league announced on Monday that he would be suspended for the Lions game for the latest incident.
Goaltender Connor Ingram working hard to rebuild confidence in AHL this season
Goaltender Connor Ingram is beginning to settle into his role with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors, one month after he was acquired
In an interview with The Athletic’s Daniel Nugent-Bowman this week, the 28-year-old opened up about returning to the AHL four years after last consistently appearing in the minor leagues.
“It’s been great here,” Ingram said. “I haven’t had to worry about anything. Just play hockey. You do what you can, play where they put you and wait your turn. That’s how it works. You have to be patient. Even if I never get an opportunity (with the Oilers), I’m happy to be here and just happy to help somebody.”
Ingram spent last season with the Utah Mammoth (then Utah Hockey Club), but began to struggle after his mother’s passing in December. Ultimately, the weight of that became too great to bear while still playing, and he stepped away from the team to seek treatment for depression.
“There were points last year where my wife wouldn’t let me drive home from the rink by myself,” Ingram said. “It was bad. It was dangerous.”
Ingram had previously entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in January 2021 while playing with the Nashville Predators to receive support for undiagnosed mental health issues. Joining the Arizona Coyotes organization in October 2022, he got his career back on track and became a rising star in the organization. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse again when his dad was diagnosed with cancer, and then later his mother, whose illness took a turn for the worse last year. After her passing, he knew he had no choice but to enter the league’s player assistance program once again.
“In this profession, nothing’s given. You don’t just get to start back up and do whatever you want. You’ve got to start over. That’s how it was going to be,” he said. “When I stepped away, I knew it was probably: keep playing hockey or lose your life. I made a decision, and I accepted what was going to come next. When I went into the program, I knew that might be it. I probably wasn’t going to make it unless I did it.”
Having completed the program, he’s back on the ice with the Condors this season. He knew he’d have to start from scratch, and his focus is all on getting his on-ice skills and confidence back where they need to be.
“I’m building a foundation on rock bottom,” Ingram said. “That’s what it feels like some days. It’s a long road back.”
Working under Condors goalie coach and fellow Saskatchewan native Kelly Guard, he’s accepting that the journey ahead will be a mix of patience and hard work.
“I have everything I need to succeed here,” Ingram said. “I can’t ask for anything else. Now, it’s on me.”
Ingram has a 1-2-1 record through four appearances in Bakersfield so far this season.
