Ed Reed Suspended One Game For Headhunting

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ed Reed has been suspended without pay for one game by the NFL for repeated headhunting.

NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson said:

“We cannot tolerate repeated violations of rules, especially rules related to player safety. We will continue to take the strongest possible action to deter these types of violations and protect our players… We will continue to take the strongest possible action to deter these types of violations and protect our players.”

The NFL suspended Reed after an illegal hit on Emmanuel Sanders on Sunday. Bleacher Reports notes that it is the third time in the last three season that Reed has been called for hitting a defenseless player around the head or neck area.

Reed will not be allowed on the field during practice this week and will not be allowed to play during this Sunday’s game. Reed can appeal the suspension. If the Ravens linebackers decides to appeal there will be an expedited hearing before Sunday’s game.

Coach John Harbaugh defended his player saying that Reed respects the game and does not play with the intent to injure.

Harbaugh said:

“We all know Ed respects the players, he respects the game. None of those hits were intent. They were inadvertent. Ed respects the game.”

Reuters reports that Reed is the second player to be suspended this season for an illegal hit. Denver Broncos linebacker Joe Bayswas suspended after an illegal hat on Matt Schaub. Tim Dobbins was also fined last week for a helmet to helmet hit on Jay Cutler.