Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin has been suspended one game for a repeat violation of the NFL safety rules prohibiting hits to the head and neck area of defenseless players. Griffin was flagged for unnecessary roughness in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders when he delivered a blow to the head of tight end Mychal Rivera, who was diagnosed with a concussion and missed the rest of the game. Per the NFL press release:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Dashon Goldson has received the same one-game suspension from the league twice this season, with one successful appeal.
The Titans are in the thick of the AFC playoff race, so Griffin likely will appeal the suspension. He has had four violations for illegal hits since 2011, all to the head and neck area of defenseless players. This case further reflects the NFL's stringent stance on enforcing safety rules and protecting the long-term health of its players.
-- Bill Bradley, contributing editor
