Alaric Jackson's suspension for punching Bradley Chubb after Monday night's game between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams was reduced from two games to one, the NFL said Wednesday. The Rams' left tackle had appealed Tuesday's ruling by the league. Hearing officer Derrick Brooks, who was jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, heard the appeal and reduced the punishment to one game.
The league initially said Jackson violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to "any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship," when he struck Chubb following the Rams' 37-34 overtime loss in Los Angeles on Monday. "Have to make better decisions than that," Rams coach Sean McVay said Tuesday. Jackson will now sit out only the Rams' Week 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals, with David Quessenberry starting in his place.
In a scene captured by ESPN's cameras, Jackson stood near midfield exchanging jerseys with Bills defensive lineman Deone Walker when Chubb said something to him. Jackson then walked toward Chubb and punched the linebacker in the face with his right hand. On Wednesday, Chubb told reporters that he initiated the conversation, saying he had not talked about Jackson's mother and describing a warning about seeing the Rams again. "Me personally, I learned I'm either going to have my hands up or wear a helmet," Chubb said.
This is Jackson's second NFL suspension. He sat out two games in 2024 for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing