It’s been quiet regarding the status of Buccaneers safety Dashon Goldson’s appeal of his one game suspension. On Wednesday, it won’t stay that way.
Per a league source, a decision on Goldson’s appeal will be issued on Wednesday. If the suspension is overturned, Goldson will be able to immediately rejoin his team, as it prepares to face the Patriots on Sunday.
The hearing has been handled either by Matt Birk or Ted Cottrell. Both are appointed and paid jointly by the NFL and the NFLPA to resolve appeals regarding punishment for on-field discipline.
Goldson applied an illegal hit on Sunday to Saints running back Darren Sproles.
Last year, the NFL suspended former Ravens safety Ed Reed for one game after his latest illegal hit on a defenseless player. On appeal, the suspension was reversed by Cottrell, who imposed a $50,000 fine.
Despite the clear lines of authority in cases like this, it’s inevitable that many will assume the NFL simply changed it’s own mind — especially since most appeals for player discipline are handled exclusively by the league. When it comes to on-field discipline, however, the league doesn’t have final say.
It all comes down to Birk or Cottrell, and we’ll all learn the decision on Wednesday.