Broncos linebacker Joe Mays has apologized for his vicious hit on Texans quarterback Matt Schaub on Sunday, but the NFL doesn’t think an apology is enough. And the league office doesn’t think a heavy fine is enough, either.
Instead, Mays has been suspended for one game for his helmet-to-helmet hit, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Mays will appeal the suspension.
The hit was absolutely brutal, knocking Schaub’s helmet off and knocking off a piece of Schaub’s ear, too. Amazingly, Schaub only missed one play, which the Texans’ medical staff apparently felt was sufficient to be sure that Schaub hadn’t suffered a concussion.
Mays is a fifth-year player who has started all three games for the Broncos this season. Last week he was suspended $7,875 for a roughing the passer penalty on Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. When Mays drilled Schaub this week, the league office apparently decided that it would need a lot more than just a fine to get through to Mays that hits like that simply aren’t accepted in the NFL.