The NFL has suspended another player for wreckless tackling out on the field.
Titans safety Michael Griffin was suspended one game on Monday for the head shot he delivered on Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera over the weekend. This marks the second time this season and the fourth time in the last two seasons that Griffin has been punished by the NFL for delivering illegal hits. The suspension comes as a result of his history of fines and illegal hits. Griffin plans to appeal the suspension.
Griffin, 28, was fined $21,000 by the NFL in Week 4 for an illegal hit on Jets receiver Stephen Hill. Griffin was fined twice during the 2012 season as well, with the NFL docking him $21,000 for a hit to the head and $20,000 for a horse collar tackle.
Griffin, who signed a five-year, $35 million deal with the Titans last season, is making $3.5 million in base salary this season. The one-game suspension, if upheld in appeals, would cost Griffin once game check, which is worth $205, 882.
Some players have had suspensions and fines overturned this season, so there is some hope that Griffin’s punishment could be reduced. However, both Buccaneers safety Dashon Goldson, who is also a repeat offender and Colts linebacker Erik Walden, who headbutted Titans tight end Delanie Walker, had suspensions upheld following appeals last week.
Griffin has started all 11 games for the Titans this season, recording 60 tackles and three forced fumbles.
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