Josh Norman Reacts To Odell Beckham’s Suspension

Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman had not only some physical hits but fighting words for New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr following Sunday night’s game between the two teams. Norman, who has been nicknamed Batman, was seen exchanging hit after hit with Beckham throughout most of Sunday’s game at MetLife Stadium. Beckham was wearing Joke-themed cleats during the game.

“The man knew what he was doing,” Norman told ESPN Radio on Monday. “He knew what he was doing. But that’s no Joker. That’s no Joker. That’s Harvey Dent. That’s Two-Face. I can respect the Joker, because at least he’ll give me a sweet context, at least he’ll give me a sweet epic battle. But that right there was a melee. I can’t respect a guy like that.”

Several of the hits between the two players were uncalled for, including a helmet-to-helmet charge from Beckham in the third quarter that came long after the whistle blew when Giants RB Shane Vereen was tackled to the ground on a run. Norman retaliated by aggressively pushing Beckham back down on the turf. Beckham also body-slammed Norman during the first quarter.

Beckham now faces a one-game suspension as punishment from the NFL. Although there is an expected appeal, NFL columnist Jarrett Bell stated there is no justification for Beckham’s actions. Former NFL defensive back Merlon Hanks issued the punishment, and stated in a letter to the receiver that Beckham took a 10-yard running start to slam head-first into Norman’s helmet after the end of a play during the third quarter of Sunday’s game.

There is also a theory, dubbed the “smoking bat” theory, with regards to what made Beckham get so worked up during the game. A Panthers practice squad player reportedly brought a black baseball bat with him to the sidelines during pre-game warmups and gestured toward Beckham, who claimed to feel threatened by this. Of course, the Panthers denied Beckham was ever threatened during the game.

The Panthers remain undefeated at 14-0 after Sunday’s game, and will face the Falcons in Atlanta in their second-to-last game of the season. The Giants (6-8) will host the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday night. “When you take it too far, when you go at somebody maliciously like that and go head-hunting…” Norman said. “If you want that type of game, that’s outside the game, that’s not in the rule book anymore. That’s some other type of stuff. I mean we can go there. I don’t know if you want that to happen.”

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 20: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants reacts after a scuffle in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 20, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)