The NFL has suspended Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson for four games without pay for violating the league’s unnecessary roughness rules. Jackson played at Alabama from 2007 to 2009.
The NFL issued the following statement regarding Jackson’s suspension:
“NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan issued the suspension for violations of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 9 (b) (1) which states that “it is a foul if a player forcibly hits the defenseless player’s head or neck area with the helmet, facemask, forearm, or shoulder, even if the intial contact is lower than the player’s neck, and regardless of whether the defensive player also uses his arms to tackle the defenseless by encircling or grasping him.”
Runyan also added that Jackson “delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area of a defenseless receiver, when you (Jackson) had the time and space to avoid such contact.”
As a result of the NFL’s decision, Jackson has elected to appeal the suspension, according to a source which was confirmed by NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Jackson has been ejected in two games this season for hits to the head/neck area. The most recent ejection came on Sunday when Jackson delivered a blow to the head/neck area of Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to provide the latest information regarding Jackson’s suspension.