Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has been suspended for one game for what the NFL is calling a “violation of unnecessary roughness rules.”
In a release issued by the league, NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan addressed Gronkowski by saying: “Your actions were not incidental, could have been avoided and placed the opposing player at risk of serious injury. The Competition Committee has clearly expressed its’ goal of 'eliminating flagrant hits that have no place in our game.’ Those hits include the play you are involved in (Sunday).”
Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, Gronkowski has three business days to file an appeal, which will be heard by either Derrick Brooks or James Thrash, the two individuals who have been appointed by the league to decide appeals when it comes to on-field player discipline.
Gronkowski’s suspension comes as a result of his late hit on Buffalo defensive back Tre’Davious White in the waning moments of Sunday’s win over the Bills. Gronkowski apologized for the incident after the game, saying he’s “not in the business” of doing those sorts of things.
BSJ analysis: So what now for Gronkowski and the Patriots?
Adam Schefter of ESPN says Gronkowski plans on filing an appeal.
Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will appeal his one-game suspension, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 4, 2017