I think this is a ridiculous distinction, and it's perfectly indicative of the absurdity of trying to draw the line among dirty plays that are all intended to seriously hurt someone.
Funny you mention the eyes. Norman has expressly, brazenly admitted to intentionally gouging another player's eyes with a purpose to seriously injure him. Where is that on your scale? Better than concussing the brain, but worse than breaking a leg? Addressable by breaking a bone as reciprocity? A big bone? But not one above the ribs? Personally, I'd prefer a mild concussion to an eye gouge. Should my standard apply, or yours?
It's a dangerous sport. Nonetheless, it's pretty easy to tell when someone is making a football play, versus trying to injure someone seriously. The latter should be dealt with swiftly and consistently, irrespective of the body part.
Huh, where did I mention the eyes? I said nothing about that in my post.
I make the distinction as anything that can result in serious off the field repercussions, eg impaired cognitive function or paralysis. Have you not paid attention to the CTE issue out there today? It's the single biggest health related issue in professional sports, particularly in football. There are billion dollar lawsuits involved.
What Beckham did can result in a minor concussion yes, but it can be far worse than that, all the way to death even--obviously very rare (hemorrhage or broken neck). But that is why I said you are rolling the dice, because you just don't know. No knee injury results in that.
Can you predict w any certaincy what will happen when someone gets hit in the head? Because I cannot. They've changed the rules of the game because it is such a huge and important issue. But it doesn't apparently seem to be a big deal to you.
Beckham's transgression was compounded because he blindsided Norman, who therefore was unable to brace himself or prepare for contact. Completely helpless. Additionally, it was to the side of his head, on his temple, the most vulnerable part of the head when it comes to injury,
Again, what he did not REMOTELY 'part of the game' or because 'football is a violent sport'. That's a ridiculous and ignorant excuse with this particular situation. Mind boggling that you think it is.
Edit: and I don't care about the personal fouls, what either did before or after, nor do I think Beckham is 'evil' or what have you. But minimizing a blindside cheap shot to the head is BS.