By Elaine Donnelly
Extending sexual misconduct to combat units
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed avoided a one-game suspension for late hits after an appeal. He instead will be fined $50,000.
Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed avoided a one-game suspension for late hits after an appeal. He instead will be fined $50,000.
The NFL tentatively has scheduled June 18 for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to hear the appeals of four players suspended for their roles in the Saints' bounty program.
The NFL players' union grievance against the league in the Saints bounties scandal will be heard Wednesday.
Almost a week after the NFL pointed to them for failing to stop a bounty program involving some two dozen Saints players, coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis apologized and took the blame for violations that "happened under our watch."
The NFL has denied James Harrison's appeal of a one-game suspension for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Cleveland quarterback Colt McCoy, and the Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker will sit out Monday night's game against San Francisco.
Steelers linebacker James Harrison is having his appeal hearing on his one-game suspension.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison has carved out a niche as one of the NFL's most feared defenders over the last five years by straddling the line between clean and dirty play.
The NFL has reduced the fines for Atlanta's Dunta Robinson and New England's Brandon Meriweather, both cited for flagrant hits against defenseless receivers.
The NFL has reduced the fine levied on Steelers linebacker James Harrison for his Oct. 17 hit on Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi from $75,000 to $50,000.
Many NFL players believe they should have a greater voice in handing out fines and suspensions for illegal hits.
At least Norv Turner and the San Diego Chargers are consistent.
In a letter to Reed, Cottrell wrote: "I have determined that your actions were egregious and warrant significant discipline. However, I do not believe that your actions were so egregious as to subject you to a one-game suspension without pay. Player safety is the league's primary concern in the formation of playing rules and all players are expected to adhere to those rules or face disciplinary action. I hope in the future you will focus on ensuring that your play conforms to the rules."
In a letter to Reed, Cottrell wrote: "I have determined that your actions were egregious and warrant significant discipline. However, I do not believe that your actions were so egregious as to subject you to a one-game suspension without pay. Player safety is the league's primary concern in the formation of playing rules and all players are expected to adhere to those rules or face disciplinary action. I hope in the future you will focus on ensuring that your play conforms to the rules."
