The incident
The NFL suspended Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson for two games without pay after he punched Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Bradley Chubb following Monday night's overtime loss, the league announced Tuesday.
The altercation occurred after the Rams' 37-34 overtime defeat, a game in which a missed field-goal attempt extended the Bills' possession and ultimately led to the overtime-winning kick. Video of the postgame scene shows Jackson walking toward Chubb and delivering a blow; league reporting noted Jackson struck Chubb in the face with his right hand.
In a scene captured by ESPN's cameras, Jackson stood near midfield exchanging jerseys with Bills defensive lineman Deone Walker when it appeared Bradley Chubb said something to him; Jackson then walked toward Chubb and punched the linebacker in the face with his right hand. In the immediate aftermath, Chubb said he had "flushed" the punch and added that he was ready to move on to Week 6.
Disciplinary action and ramifications
The NFL ruled Jackson violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 — the provision covering acts contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship — and made the two-game suspension effective immediately. The league also confirmed Jackson is eligible to appeal the discipline under the collective bargaining agreement.
Jackson will lose pay for the two-game ban and will be ineligible for Los Angeles' next pair of matchups, which are scheduled against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6 and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. The Rams are expected to be able to add Jackson back to the active roster following the Raiders game on Oct. 25 if the suspension stands and no successful appeal is filed.
Before the league's official announcement, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Jackson was expected to receive a two-game suspension.
The NFL suspended Jackson for two games without pay for punching Buffalo's Bradley Chubb. He will forfeit paychecks while missing the Rams' next two games and is eligible to appeal the suspension under the collective bargaining agreement, leaving the club with the task of replacing its starting left tackle for at least two games.
