The NFL has once again suspended veteran safety Kareem Jackson, deeming him too dangerous for the league. Just three plays into his return from a previous suspension, Jackson delivered a hard hit to Minnesota Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs, jarring his facemask and causing a fumble. Surprisingly, he wasn’t penalized during the game, but the league took a different stance, handing down a four-game suspension without pay on Monday.
This is the second time Jackson has been suspended this season, and because he’s been in trouble more than once, it seems unlikely that they’ll cut his suspension like they did last time, going from four games down to two.
Broncos’ DB Kareem Jackson has been suspended without pay for four games for repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. pic.twitter.com/RGMZ7VGnaL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 20, 2023
The financial hit is pretty hefty, as Jackson is giving up $8,889 in salary. So far this season, he’s been hit with four fines and kicked out of two games, racking up a total of $9,670 in fines and losing $9,000 in salary.
The league is basically saying that Jackson keeps breaking safety rules. The suspension, handed down by NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan, points to a violation of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 10 (a). This rule penalizes players for dropping their head and forcefully making contact with their helmet against an opponent. In a letter to Jackson, Runyan stressed that the league won’t stand for these blatant and preventable actions that put player safety at risk. The commitment to enforcing rules against using the helmet for aggressive contact is unwavering, especially when there’s a chance to avoid dangerous plays.
