NEW YORK – Broncos linebacker Randy Gregory and Rams offensive lineman Oday Aboushi were each suspended for a game for exchanging punches after Los Angeles 51-14 Victory over Denver on Sunday.
NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan on Monday imposed suspensions for violations of unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary rudeness rules, particularly those prohibiting “hitting, swinging, or wrist-banging an opponent’s head, neck, or face.” . , arm(s), elbow(s) or hand(s).”
Gregory will miss Sunday’s Broncos game in Kansas City and Aboushi will sit out the Rams’ game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
In letters to the players, Runyan wrote: “As you approached a group of teammates, coaches and media, you both stopped and hit each other in the head and/or neck. Their aggressive behavior could have caused serious injury and clearly falls short of the high sporting standards expected of a professional.”
Gregory, who delivered the first punch, declined to speak about it after the game other than to say, “You all want to know if I punched him in the mouth, I did.”
Gregory also lost his composure during the game and threw his helmet after the Broncos fell behind by three touchdowns in the second quarter, and later hit quarterback Baker Mayfield in the head in the fourth quarter.
Gregory and Aboushi exchanged words during the post-game handshakes between the teams and Gregory struck Aboushi’s helmet. Aboushi reciprocated before teammates separated them.
Both can return to their active rosters on January 2nd. According to the collective agreement, they can also appeal against their suspension.
Coach Sean McVay said the Rams and Aboushi would appeal the suspension. Aboushi has started four games and played extensively in two more since signing with Los Angeles in September. The nine-year NFL veteran played all but one snap against the Broncos, adding veteran stability to a series decimated by injuries.
Gregory has been suspended from the NFL multiple times, including 14 games in 2016 for violations of the league’s substance abuse policy and the entire 2017 and 2019 season for multiple violations. Other suspensions include two games in 2018 and six in 2020.
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