Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree was suspended by the NFL for two games without pay on Monday, following his involvement in a brawl during the Raiders-Broncos game on Sunday, in which he threw punches at Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (who has also been suspended two games), after Talib ripped off his chain for the second time in as many years.
Raiders Broncos fight pic.twitter.com/9vqhJ7HSjz
— Dieter Kurtenbach (@dkurtenbach) November 26, 2017
The ruling from the NFL came as a surprise, as players are rarely suspended for fighting — let alone for two games — especially after being ejected from the contest in question, which both Crabtree and Talib were.
The league clarified it’s decision on Tuesday, citing the specific nature of the fight and the NFL’s desire to get the players’ attention as reasons for the harsh punishment.
NFL spokesman Joe Lockhart on a conference call re: Crabtree and Talib getting 2-game suspensions: “One of the reasons is just the eye test.” Called their fight “premeditated” and “prolonged … And importantly it put other people at risk.” #Raiders
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) November 28, 2017
NFL’s Joe Lockhart on Crabtree-Talib going forward: “I think a two-game suspension is designed to both discipline appropriately a player but also get their attention. And I expect this has gotten their attention.” #Raiders
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) November 28, 2017
Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio took to Twitter shortly after the ruling and expressed his confusion.
?Hard to understand the reasoning for this judgement based on most recent ruling w/ altercation see WR Cin and DB Jax = 0 games suspended https://t.co/jH9cZRecPn
— Jack Del Rio (@coachdelrio) November 28, 2017
According to Jim Trotter of ESPN, Crabtree is appealing the suspension today, and should have an answer by 3 p.m. pacific time.
my understanding is that crabtree’s appeal is being heard today by james thrash. typically an expedited ruling would come by 6 tonight ET to give the club roster certainty for sunday’s game. #raiders
— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) November 28, 2017
