Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed is suspended without pay for one game for repeatedly violating the NFL rule that prohibits hits to the head and neck area of defenseless players.
The suspension was imposed by league vice president of football operations Merton Hanks, according to NFL.com.
Reed cannot practice this week nor play in the Ravens’ game this Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. Also, he cannot be at the Ravens’ practice facility or stadium for any other activities during his suspension. He is eligible to return on Nov. 26.
He has three days to appeal the suspension.
Reed’s latest infraction occurred Sunday night when he was penalized for unnecessary roughness in the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His hit on Emmanuel Sanders was to the head and neck area of a defenseless receiver.
It is Reed’s third violation in the past three seasons. The league rule on fines states that: “Players who were fined for violations in 2010 or 2011, and whose fines were either partially or fully upheld, will be considered second and/or repeat offenders under this policy.”
“We cannot tolerate repeated violations of rules, especially rules related to player safety,” executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson said. “We will continue to take the strongest possible action to deter these types of violations and protect our players.”
Reed’s other infractions include: a $21,000 fine and an unnecessary roughness penalty for striking a defenseless player, New England Patriots wide Receiver Deion Branch, on Sept. 23; and a $10,000 fine and a roughing-the-passer penalty for striking the head and neck area of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees on Dec. 19, 2010.
Denver Broncos linebacker Joe Mays was suspended for one game earlier this year for violating rules designed to protect the safety of players. He was disciplined for an illegal hit against Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, a defenseless player, in their Sept. 23 game.