A game is the right penalty, I think. His hit was a bit worse than Evans', to me, but not so much so that it warranted an extra game tacked on.
Gronk: one-game suspension
- Thread starter NortheasternPJ
- Start date
League ruled very quickly on Talib/Crabtree appeals. Don't think Pittsburgh game is in jeopardy. Fair penalty. Filthy play by a not filthy player. Park ave. actually got one right.
Even if it could stretch to the Pittsburgh game he would appeal. I could be wrong but I think that every suspension is appealed as a matter of course by the NFLPA given that it is one of the few meager defenses the players have against the Park Ave. overlords.
One game suspension, per ESPN, SI, and others. Thread title updated accordingly.
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.si.com/nfl/2017/12/04/patriots-rob-gronkowski-suspended
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.si.com/nfl/2017/12/04/patriots-rob-gronkowski-suspended
Phew, league went with actual precedent, but hard not to have been worried with the media Gronk’s a murderer takes. This is the right call, he might even get it overturned on appeal.
The fact that everyone on ESPN was calling for four games was legit reason to be concerned, given how the league can blow with the wind.
I think he deserved a suspension. I think I said otherwise in the game thread last night, but I didn't see the hit by Gronk as clearly as I did on replays this morning, and didn't notice the elbow to the head, however, I want to bring up a couple points.
Everyone seems to be claiming that Gronk gave him a concussion with this hit. Is that fact now? I know the guy has a concussion, but do we know it was because of Gronk, and not because of how he landed (on his back and head) after the interception? On replay, it looked to me like he was groggy before Gronk hit him (which explains why he was still laying on the ground at that point, and not celebrating his interception).
Second, what's the penalty for the Bills guy who ripped off Amendola's helmet 15 yards away, at the exact same time the Gronk hit was taking place? You know, after the whistle? Or is ripping someone's helmet off by violently twisting it not as malicious or potentially injury causing as what Gronk did? Does anyone even know the name of the Bills player that did it, which happened right in front of a referee who threw a flag? Just wondering where the outrage is for that.
Everyone seems to be claiming that Gronk gave him a concussion with this hit. Is that fact now? I know the guy has a concussion, but do we know it was because of Gronk, and not because of how he landed (on his back and head) after the interception? On replay, it looked to me like he was groggy before Gronk hit him (which explains why he was still laying on the ground at that point, and not celebrating his interception).
Second, what's the penalty for the Bills guy who ripped off Amendola's helmet 15 yards away, at the exact same time the Gronk hit was taking place? You know, after the whistle? Or is ripping someone's helmet off by violently twisting it not as malicious or potentially injury causing as what Gronk did? Does anyone even know the name of the Bills player that did it, which happened right in front of a referee who threw a flag? Just wondering where the outrage is for that.
Does he even appeal it? The team has tomorrow off, will he head to Park Avenue or sleep late?
I'm sure it's BB and maybe Kraft's decision more than his.
I'm sure it's BB and maybe Kraft's decision more than his.
You're right. And Reiss already says he'll appeal.
Mike ReissVerified account @MikeReiss
News story: Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski suspended one game without pay by NFL for hit on Tre'Davious White; Gronkowski plans to appeal.
I think the union would have a significant issue with Belichick or Kraft suggesting Gronk not appeal. Or at least they should.
Regardless one game seems fair. Glad the league did not overreach.
Neither BB nor Kraft have the slightest say as to whether Gronk can appeal. They have absolutely nothing to gain by getting involved, and a lot to lose.
With an appeal, Gronk can state his case that he's officiated differently than any other player. While it probably won't help him escape the suspension, maybe it could end up with him getting more holding and PI calls.
I doubt they could stop him from appealing as a legal issue. BB giving him the stinkeye and saying "you're appealing?" and walking away is another matter entirely.
I don't think all suspensions are automatically appealed, Marcus Gilbert didn't on his PED suspension. Unless you're talking about the conduct type suspensions.
I'm also fine with him appealing now that there have been a few appeals that have been denied. It got to be a bit too rubber stamp in the NFL and the MLB, if you appeal it almost automatically knocks down the penalty. It's useful to occasionally have the original punishment upheld unchanged, and I fully expect this to be one of those cases.
One game is an appropriate punishment and the citations from the specific sections of the rules were perfectly on point. It may be the shortest appeal on recent record.
I don't think all suspensions are automatically appealed, Marcus Gilbert didn't on his PED suspension. Unless you're talking about the conduct type suspensions.
I'm also fine with him appealing now that there have been a few appeals that have been denied. It got to be a bit too rubber stamp in the NFL and the MLB, if you appeal it almost automatically knocks down the penalty. It's useful to occasionally have the original punishment upheld unchanged, and I fully expect this to be one of those cases.
One game is an appropriate punishment and the citations from the specific sections of the rules were perfectly on point. It may be the shortest appeal on recent record.
I'm not sure hitting a guy that's already concussed makes it better. Amendola and the other guy were already tussling. Amendola wasn't lying on the ground motionless. The Amendola helmet-ripper will probably get one of those oddly-numbered NFL fines - $9,045.87.
And I'll bet that the helmet-rippers name is known, since he got a penalty on the play, iirc. As did Amendola.
EDIT: It was Hyde. (from the p-b-p)
I doubt that’s a defense he brings at all, other than maybe to explain his irrational outburst. The defense they’ll likely feature is that he’s never had an event anything like this in 7 years. Since it’s just one game, it might actually work to get him just a massive fine. I’m interested to see how Belichick would react if Gronk got off.
Well, there’s no way Gronk would know he was concussed. Had the guy popped back up, he probably would have avoided a suspension, but that’s just life. Lots of people get pulled over for DUI and get a small license suspension. Other drive drunk and kill people and spend years in jail. It might not be “fair,” but when you engage in risky behavior you assume the risk.
Maybe. And maybe it will drag out the process long enough that he'll play against Miami and then have to sit against Pittsburgh.
Like I said, it most likely won't impact the suspension. But, he can use the audience as an opportunity to express his frustrations with how he's been officiated.
Can players practice and attend team activities while the appeal is still being adjudicated? If so, that is a good reason to appeal.
Precisely. The reason why he lost his cool in the first place stems from this issue which has been particularly bad this season.
Typically, yes, but Volin (apologies) says that Gronk will not be able to practice or be with team.
Volin: Gronk isn't just suspended for the MNF game at Miami. Per a league spokesman, Gronk's suspension starts immediately, and he is not allowed to practice or participate in any football activities this week
Yes, if he thought they were trying to make him miss PIT by dragging out the process, he can always drop the appeal.
I was mostly tongue in cheek at the concussion part, because I thought parsing whether he "caused" the concussion was silly. IMO, whether Gronk "caused" the concussion, or merely unknowingly drove his forearm into the back of an (unknown to him, but already concussed) prone defenseless player's head really doesn't matter.
Not being able to be around the team changes the optics some, I assume BB has some level of the standard "if you don't practice you don't play" policy that a lot of coaches use. The number of practice days available comes into play then, so it being MNF helps his chances to be able to timely win his appeal and get several practices in.
I agree it'll be decided by end of Wednesday. I sincerely doubt his appeal will be successful, in which case it's all either ego or optics.
I agree it'll be decided by end of Wednesday. I sincerely doubt his appeal will be successful, in which case it's all either ego or optics.
Bill Barnwell cited the time a few years back he kept on blocking the Colts guy when he was out of bounds. That seems like a stretch to me, but I suppose it's something.
A suspension does not start until an appeal is adjudicated. See: Elliott, Zeke.
I know it doesn't exactly work like this, but I hope they don't feel motivated to bring Hogan back slightly early assuming the suspension is upheld.
I imagine this will be settled before whenever early Wed morning the Pats have to report back (Tuesday is day off).
And since Gronk can't get suspended for half a game, I'd be shocked if it is lifted.
Glad to see the sanctimonious “fuck Gronk” bullshit has been relaxed.
"loading Gronk's laptop with Pittsburgh film" sounds like a euphemism Gronk would use to describe the contents of his laptop.
Sorry your favorite player wearing your favorite team's jersey acted like an a total asshole. It's not sanctimonious at all. Spend more time around people with head injuries and tell me how poor Gronk lost his temper because some pulled his jersey and he's just some affable guy who only wanted to elbow drop a prone player's skull and neck.
A game is what the NFL gives out for this sort of stuff. Show me where I said he deserved more? I also said it was thuggish and I'm not a fan of his anymore, and I stick with that.
That’s incredibly weak. He played through the whistle and it was the right call, but it wasn’t dirty. Sergio was equally as engaged, he just got destroyed.
Thanks for the excuse for me to do this, though.
well... he did get fined for thatThat’s incredibly weak. He played through the whistle and it was the right call, but it wasn’t dirty. Sergio was equally as engaged, he just got destroyed.
Thanks for the excuse for me to do this, though.
Volin is as usual half right. Suspension is technically pending while under appeal, so Gronk could potentially join the team until his appeal is ruled upon. Appeals for on field incidents normally happen very quickly. Basically, the appeal is heard by a two person committee, who basically will interview Gronk and make a decision.
There is no danger of Gronk playing in Miami but missing the Pittsburgh game. Actually, there technically could be a risk if Gronk was to take the full 3 days to file the appeal (which would mean Thursday), but I really don't see that happening. If Gronk files the appeal today or Tuesday, I'm quite sure a decision will be made by Wednesday.
There is no danger of Gronk playing in Miami but missing the Pittsburgh game. Actually, there technically could be a risk if Gronk was to take the full 3 days to file the appeal (which would mean Thursday), but I really don't see that happening. If Gronk files the appeal today or Tuesday, I'm quite sure a decision will be made by Wednesday.
Interestingly, the CBA says that the hearing is to be held the Tuesday following the suspension appeal if during the regular season. But that doesn't seem to be how it works in practice. They seem to decide them very fast.
Still, it seems like a bit of a loophole if you can appeal the suspension and thereby practice with the team but then serve the suspension later that week and so have avoided part of the suspension -- the part where you don't get to practice.
Reading the CBA (and it's article 46), it sure looks to me as though the idea was to postpone the suspension by a week when the player appeals (if affirmed), but, again, it doesn't seem to work like that in practice.
On a regular NFL week, Tuesday is the off day for players. Game Sunday, decision Monday, appeal heard Tuesday. Player could go to NY if feasible. Either way, they spend part of their off day on the appeal. And it's generally decided in time for practice Wednesday. Player goes back to work or team adjusts game plan in time for practices.
The scheduling refers to suspensions under section 1(a), which was the section under which Brady and Elliot got suspended. Gronk is being suspended under section 1(b), which pertains to suspensions due to unnecessary roughness or unsportsmanlike conduct. There is no requirement of scheduling for appeals under Section 1(b), but from a practical matter they are decided upon rather quickly, as they are heard by the discipline committee, not the Commissioner.
For completeness, it should be noted that there is no risk of the penalty increasing as a result of the appeal, as 1(b) penalties cannot be increased upon appeal.
I've been thinking since this happened that you can draw a straight line between throwing Sergio out of the club and this incident. When Gronk gets enraged on the field, he wants to physically dominate someone. He expresses his frustration physically. In the case with Sergio it was over trash talk, there wasn't great video of the most egregious part of the play (minus the above still which made the rounds), and most importantly, Sergio didn't get hurt and there wasn't a head-injury element to the incident, although there easily could have been. And then there was the great quote after the game that cast the incident in a funny light rather than a predatory/malicious one. He was fined for the play, but everyone had a laugh.That’s incredibly weak. He played through the whistle and it was the right call, but it wasn’t dirty. Sergio was equally as engaged, he just got destroyed.
Thanks for the excuse for me to do this, though.
Gronk saw red again on Sunday, and got overly physical in a stupid, frustrated way. He just lost control and wanted to hit someone, maybe even hurt someone. This time, the focus of his rage was already on the ground, and so the awkward body slam was probably the first thing he thought of.
Stupider result, same process.
Typical overreaction by you Ed. Sometimes your posts are idiotic. Please try to do better next time.
Got it -- so I guess so long as they agree to a telephonic hearing then it will get decided this week. I would think an actual hearing hearing might take longer. But I'm guessing those don't happen under 1(b).
I agree with the one game suspension but I think the league needs to look at why this happened.
The game was chippy from the very start. There were many uncalled penalties including several dangerous out of bounds hits and tackles on Pats players.
Now I’m not in any way condoning what Gronk did but it is very out of character for him. He was very frustrated and angry.
The game was chippy from the very start. There were many uncalled penalties including several dangerous out of bounds hits and tackles on Pats players.
Now I’m not in any way condoning what Gronk did but it is very out of character for him. He was very frustrated and angry.
Small detail on this, if not already mentioned. This makes it very unlikely that Gronk can earn his $5.5 million incentive for this year without being first team All Pro -- and missing this game may hurt him there. He's very close to the $3 million incentive, but in the end this could well be a $2.5 million penalty.
Forget it, I’ll use PM.
Sure, but I think it’s weak evidence to suggest he’s a dirty player, especially if it’s the best example someone has over a career of his length. I would hope the league office wouldn’t use it to consider someone a repeat offender.
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I voted no initially, but the replay makes it clearer it's too blatant to ignore. ah well.
but please, media, stop burying the underlying issue under the rug - Gronk is being penalized for being too good.
but please, media, stop burying the underlying issue under the rug - Gronk is being penalized for being too good.
This is right. This is not a "small" penalty. This is potentially massive given the incentives in Gronks' contract, so he has to appeal, and frankly, appeals like this are successful fairly often based on what I remember, although I'm not certain.
BB was on the radio this afternoon. There is absolutely no concern Gronk will miss Pitt due to the appeal. It will be decided by Wednesday, just like Crabtree and Talib's were last week. FTR, both of those guys received two games, and had them reduced to one game, and a lot of folks seem to be citing the fact they were ejected as the reason they were given two in the first place, so it could be a reasoning to move this from one game to a fine. Personally, I think what Gronk did is more like what AJ Green did than what Mike Evans did, and Green didn't get suspended at all. Not to mention, AJ Green, like Gronk, doesn't have any sort of history of this kind of behavior. We aren't talking about Suh or Burfict.
I'll tell you what though, listening to guys like Rodney Harrison discuss this issue has to be the highest of comedy, if not performance art. Harrison used to set aside $40,000 at the beginning of every season for his "tantrum trust" or whatever he called it, because he knew he was going to get fined multiple times because he couldn't always control himself.