One of the greatest safeties in NFL history has hit too many opposing players in the head, too many times, according to the league.
The NFL announced today that Ravens safety Ed Reed has been suspended one game for repeated violations of the rules against hitting opposing players in the head and neck area. Unless he successfully appeals, he will sit out Sunday’s game at San Diego.
Reed was penalized for unnecessary roughness in the third quarter of Sunday night’s game against the Steelers for a hit to the head of Steelers receiver Emmanuel Sanders. That was Reed’s second violation of the rules against hits to defenseless receivers this year. He was fined $21,000 for a hit to Patriots receiver Deion Branch in September. Reed had also been fined $10,000 for a hit to Saints quarterback Drew Brees in 2010.
“We cannot tolerate repeated violations of rules, especially rules related to player safety,” NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Ray Anderson said in a statement. “We will continue to take the strongest possible action to deter these types of violations and protect our players.”
The NFL says it was V.P. of Football Operations Merton Hanks -- a former NFL defensive back himself -- who made the decision to suspend Reed.