Dashon Goldson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was first fined $30,000 during the first week’s game against the New York jets for a hit on a defenseless player. The suspension, without pay, came after another hit to Darren Sproles of the New Orleans Saints in week two.
A statement from the NFL’s communications department said: “Safety Dashon Goldson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been suspended without pay for one game for a flagrant and repeat violation of NFL safety rules prohibiting hits to the head and neck area of defenseless players. The suspension was imposed by NFL Vice President of Football Operations Merton Hanks. Goldson may not practice this week nor play in the Buccaneers’ game this Sunday against the New England Patriots. He may not participate in any football activities with the team during the suspension. Goldson will be reinstated on Monday, September 23. Goldson was penalized for unnecessary roughness in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints for making direct, helmet-to-helmet contact with a defenseless receiver.”
Goldson did appeal, and the NFL has since lifted the suspension, allowing him to play next week against the New England Patriots.
