Some NFL Media Members Call For NFL To Suspend Aaron Donald, But Officials Say The Team Will Handle It
Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald recently participated in a joint-practice session with the AFC Champions, the Cincinnati Bengals. The practice was cancelled after a major brawl reportedly broke out between the two teams. Donald was caught on video swinging Bengals helmets at opposing players multiple times. The Rams and Bengals played each other in last season’s Super Bowl, in which the Rams came out on top due to Donald’s game-winning sack on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
Warren Sharp posted a close-up look at the altercation on Twitter, which showed Donald not only swinging a Bengals helmet but also connecting two times before being pushed backwards. The second Bengals helmet could be seen at the feet of Donald as he was getting up to his feet.
The video has quickly gone viral across all social media, with multiple outlets and football fans comparing the incident to Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who reportedly ripped off the helmet of Steelers quarterback Kyle Rudolph and hit Rudolph over the head with it during an altercation that took place in the middle of a prime-time game in the 2019 regular season. The NFL world has been calling upon the National Football League to suspend Donald the same way they suspended Garrett for six-games following his altercation with Rudolph.
Sharp also was reportedly one of several NFL media members advocating for the league to suspend Donald, when responding to a fan on Twitter.
Jets writer Antwan V. Staley was another media member advocating for the league to suspend Donald, calling his actions “grounds for suspension”. Staley previously covered other NFL teams, such as the Miami Dolphins and the Carolina Panthers.
However, it is believed by many that the NFL is not expected to suspend Donald for his actions. Cleveland sports podcaster Nick Pedone being one of them, stating that he doesn’t believe any punishment will come for Donald.
“Some folks wanted Myles Garrett thrown in prison for assault over a primetime helmet swing,” Pedone said. “The Cleveland PD even released a statement. I doubt there will be a punishment for Aaron Donald, but it is on video.”
According to Sports Illustrated, the National Football League is not responsible for overseeing the conduct of players during any practices. Rather, that responsibility falls at the feet of the teams themselves. NFL reporter Mark Maske states that the Rams will handle the discipline of Donald. Neither Rams nor Bengals have yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.
Sports Illustrated has more HERE.
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