One week after the NFL suspended Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Dashon Goldson for repeated illegal hits, another defender has been banned.
Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin was suspended one game Monday by the league for a repeat violation of NFL safety rules that prohibit hits to the head and neck area of a defenseless player.
The play in question was a hit on Oakland Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera during Sunday's win. Griffin's hit knocked Rivera's helmet off, and Rivera missed the rest of the contest with a concussion. This was the second violation by Griffin this season, and his fourth since 2011. All four violations were for striking defenseless players in the head and neck area.
"All I can say is I apologize to the Titans fans, my teammates and the organization," Griffin said in a text message, per The Tennessean. "I also hope Rivera is doing well and I apologize to (Rivera) and his family. I was trying to do my job but in the end I hurt the team."
Goldson successfully appealed a one-game suspension early in the season, but he was forced to serve his suspension when he violated the rules a second time. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the suspension can be appealed within three business days. Griffin is entitled to an expedited hearing and decision in advance of Sunday's game.
*The latest "Around the League Podcast" broke down Patriots-Broncos and every Week 12 game. *
