The NFL has suspended Bengals safety Shawn Williams and Titans defensive end Teair Tart one game apiece “for violations of unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct rules,” per Michael Signora, NFL Senior Vice President of Football & International Communications (via Twitter). Specifically, both Williams and Tart stepped on opponents. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that both players will appeal their suspensions.
Williams violation took place during the second quarter of the Bengals loss to the Dolphins yesterday when he stepped on Dolphins lineman Solomon Kindley. The defensive back will be sidelined for Cincy’s game against the Cowboys next weekend. The 29-year-old has spent his entire eight-year career with the Bengals, compiling 419 tackles and 12 interceptions. He’s appeared in 10 games off the bench this season, collecting 11 tackles and one pass defended.
Tart’s violation occurred during the second quarter of the Titans’ loss to the Browns yesterday. The undrafted rookie out of FIU will be forced to miss Tennessee’s game against the Jaguars this Sunday. The 23-year-old has appeared in five games this season, collecting two tackles and one pass defended.
Meanwhile, Pelissero notes (via Twitter) that there won’t be any suspensions following yesterday’s Bengals/Dolphins skirmish. However, there’s a good chance fines will be coming for several individuals.
At least he fights for his teammates
You should check the video. This is one of those single participant kind of fights.
Williams and Kindley were both dawgs! WTH?!?
I’m just an old school fan who believes it’s best to let the players police themselves as they did effectively for decades. Too much interference by Goodell and his minions only weakens the rivalry aspect between teams.
Shawn Williams literally went out of his way to deliberately step on the ankle of a downed player well after the play. That’s a bit beyond simple rivalry scuffling.
A fine or suspension from Goodell won’t deter the cheap shot behavior. If there’s a situation where helmets are being swung then the league needs to get involved but otherwise they should let the players sort it out amongst themselves.