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ESPN announcer feels ‘sick’ about what NFL star said in moments before season-ending injury
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ESPN announcer feels ‘sick’ about what NFL star said in moments before season-ending injury

ESPN announcer Joe Buck admitted he felt ‘sick’ at the commentator’s apparent curse following Monday’s NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens.

Despite cutting a 24-point lead to 10, Buck insisted Bucs head coach Todd Bowles accept the loss and take some of his star players out of the game for protection. The Bucs were starting their final drive at their own 25-yard line, and with no timeouts and 1:34 on the clock, the game appeared to be over.

“I know it’s a 10-point game, and I know you don’t give up on games, but at some point you just want to get out of here and live to fight another day,” Buck said.

Moments later, wide receiver Chris Godwin went down with a sickening ankle dislocation following Roquan Smith’s tackle, which is now considered a hip drop tackle. Godwin has since undergone surgery and his season is almost over, while ESPN chose not to show the horrific replay. The Bucs lost 41-31.

You feel bad about what happened,’ Buck said. Athletic. ‘I’d rather be wrong.

ESPN announcer feels ‘sick’ about what NFL star said in moments before season-ending injury

Chris Godwin’s ankle dislocation will likely rule him out for remainder of NFL season

Godwin was injured following an interception by Roquan Smith in the Bucs' loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Godwin was injured following an interception by Roquan Smith in the Bucs’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Joe Buck (left) warned the Bucs about leaving their star on the field just before he was injured

Joe Buck (left) warned the Bucs about leaving their star on the field just before he was injured

‘I would prefer nothing to happen. ‘No one is different from anyone else, but Godwin is one of the truly great guys in the league.’

As Godwin fell to the ground, Buck said live: ‘Oh no. He can’t stand up. ‘I was told from our production truck that we would not be showing the rerun.’

Godwin’s injury added to a bad night for the Bucs, who lost another wide receiver in Mike Evans to a hamstring issue earlier in the game. Evans is expected to be out of action until the end of the 11th week.

Speaking after the game on Monday, Bowles defended his decision to keep Godwin on the field.

‘He’s a player and we’re trying to win the game,’ Bowles said. We were down 10 points so we were still trying to get points and get another onside kick and this happened.

‘With Mike (Evans) going down, we didn’t have as many receivers as we used to, so we played with what we had.

‘It’s unfortunate that he (Godwin) got injured and we feel bad about that. But he’s a football player and he wanted to be in the game, just like Baker (Mayfield, quarterback) and everybody else wanted to be in the game, too.’

The 28-year-old had to be removed after his left ankle got caught under Baltimore linebacker Smith at the end of a 21-yard reception.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield praises 'incredible' Godwin moments after injury

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield praises ‘incredible’ Godwin moments after injury

Godwin was crawling on the field after Smith’s hit, and medical staff put his foot in the air as he got into the back of the car.

Mayfield paid tribute to Godwin after the game, saying: ‘He’s an incredible guy, an incredible teammate. Frankly, you’ve seen him play phenomenally this year. I have a heavy heart right now.’

The Bucs, who are 4-3 on the season, will face their NFC South rivals, the Atlanta Falcons, on Sunday.

Wigan AthleticTampa Bay Buccaneers