Rams-Broncos Postgame Punch Leads to 1 Game Suspensions For Two Players

Los Angeles Rams versus Denver Broncos: The Los Angeles Broncos’ loss to Denver Broncos had far more implications than just deciding which team is going where.

For a post-game incident, Oday Aboushi and Randy Gregory, Broncos’ defensive lineman, were suspended by the NFL. both threw punches at each other on the field after the game.

Each has been suspended without pay for one game for violations of unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness rules following Sunday’s Broncos-Rams game, the NFL announced.

NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan issued the suspensions for  violations of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 which prohibits unsportsmanlike conduct and applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship” and Rule 12, Section 2, Art 14c, which prohibits “striking, swinging at, or clubbing the head, neck, or face of an opponent with the wrist(s), arm(s), elbow(s), or hand(s).”

Runyan wrote the following in letters to players: “As you were walking toward a group of teammates, coaches, and media, you both stopped and swung at each other’s head and/or neck. Your aggressive conduct could have caused serious injury and clearly does not reflect the high standards of sportsmanship expected of a professional.”

Gregory will be eligible to return to the Broncos’ active roster on Monday, January 2, following the team’s January 1 game against Kansas City.

Aboushi will be eligible to return to the Rams’ active roster on Monday, January 2, following the team’s January 1 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Gregory and Aboushi can appeal against their suspensions under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Any appeal will be heard by Derrick Brooks and James Thrash, who are both jointly appointed hearing officers and paid by the NFLPA.