Seahawks defensive lineman Jarran Reed has been suspended for the first six games of the 2019 season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The ban stems from a 2017 violation of the personal conduct policy.
As Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times writes, the Bellevue Police Department recommended that Reed be charged with fourth-degree assault in connection with a domestic violence incident that occurred in April 2017, but the city’s prosecuting office did not believe there was sufficient evidence to prove the crime occurred, so it declined to pursue the matter. As such, Reed was never arrested or charged
According to the police report, Reed and his girlfriend got into an argument at Reed’s home, and Reed allegedly grabbed the woman’s throat and pulled her into the bathroom. Shortly thereafter, the woman claimed that Reed grabbed her by the wrist and dragged her across a bedroom floor and then down several stairs before she broke free.
The NFL did its own investigation and opted to suspend Reed 27 months after the incident. The league also denied Reed an appeal.
Of course, this will lead to obvious questions as to why Reed was suspended — and why it took so long to do it — when the Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill escaped league discipline. The NFL did not respond to the Seattle Times’ request for further comment on the matter.
Reed underwent sports hernia surgery in April but was on track to participate in training camp. Now, he’ll have to wait until at least October to see live action.
The Seahawks were banking on a big season from Reed, who is coming off of a season with 10.5 sacks as a starter. He was also an extension candidate, but those plans may now be put on hold.
The Seahawks will have to generate pass pressure from elsewhere, and that won’t be an easy task after the trade of Frank Clark. Poona Ford and first-round pick L.J. Collier will have to carry much of the load, unless the team is able to find help elsewhere.
Rory Parks contributed to this post.
Sucks for the Hawks. I’m wondering, did they know that this was coming? Because recently haven’t there been rumors of them talking to some DT’s?
So Reed gets six games without being arrested or charged two years ago. Tyreek Hill gets zero games with the recordings and evidence against him.
These suspensions are far to random in application and resulting punishments
The league gives out punishment with a shotgun. Fire birdshot at a target and depending what had the most hits that is the punishment. I don’t know how they can be so all over the place.
Not sure how this plays out could be good for guys like Poona to step up. I thought the team was going to be rebuilding like last year then they fooled us all and made the playoffs. Will be an interesting year. Pete believes in the next man up Poona you get the baton.
I can’t believe he was denied an appeal. How in the world can he not appeal the suspension.
More evidence of the commissioner’s incompetence.