For the second time this season, the NFL announced a four-game suspension for Broncos safety Kareem Jackson.
Jackson was suspended today for lowering his helmet and giving a drill to Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs on Sunday night. The ball caused a fumble and set up the Broncos’ first score in a 21-20 victory, but no flag was raised on the field.
NFL Vice President of Football Operations John Runyan notified Jackson of his suspension in a letter today.
“You engaged in a play that the league considers to be a serious violation of the Playing Rules,” Runyan wrote. “Video of the play shows you lowered your head and made forceful contact with Vikings quarterback Josh Dobbs. The path to your opponent was unobstructed and illegal contact could not be avoided. Flagrant misconduct that threatens player safety will not be tolerated. The league continues to emphasize enforcement of rules prohibiting the use of helmets to force contact with opponents. In the play in question, you lowered your head and delivered a hard blow to the shoulder and head/neck area of your opponent when you had time and space to avoid contact. It is also within the rules to make contact with your opponent. They could have done it, but they chose not to.”
Sunday night’s game was Jackson’s first game back after serving a two-game suspension for violating the same rule against leading with a helmet on. The suspension was initially announced as a four-game suspension, but was reduced to a two-game suspension on appeal. Jackson will also appeal the suspension.
Jackson has also been ejected from two games and fined four times for illegally hitting balls this season. At some point, he will change the way he plays or the NFL will prevent him from playing anymore.