On Saturday night, Washington safety Brandon Meriweather applied an illegal hit to Ravens receiver Torrey Smith. On Monday, the NFL lowered the boom.
As expected, the league office has imposed a two-game suspension on Meriweather for his sixth violation of the rules against unnecessary roughness.
NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent imposed the suspension. It takes effect on Monday, September 1, at which time he’ll be banished from the team facility. He’ll be reinstated on Monday, September 15 -- the day after the team’s Week Two game.
The NFL contends that “Meriweather delivered a forceful blow to the head and neck area of a defenseless receiver with no attempt to wrap up or make a conventional tackle of this player.” Meriweather has been disciplined five prior times for illegal hits.
Meriweather has the right to appeal the suspension. Last year, the NFL imposed a two-game suspension, which was reduced to one game by Ted Cottrell. This time around, the appeal will go to Cottrell or newly-appointed hearing officer Derrick Brooks.
If the suspension stands, Meriweather will miss games against the Texans and Jaguars.