Ed Reed Suspension Lifted For Fine

[Houston]

Do you guys remember this play a few years ago? At the time it was called good football, today it would be a penalty:

It would be?

[s@ppisgod]

Didn't we also hear talk about Reed retiring a year or so ago too because he basically just didn't want to be braindead? Am I remembering that incorrectly?

I don't think it's a brain-dead thing. I think he has back or neck issues, maybe both, and doesn't want to be a shell of a person post-retirement. More of a fear of becoming Earl Campbell later in life than brain-dead, I'd guess. Regardless, he quite clearly tries harder to protect himself more than 99% of defensive players, save for some scared ass corners. Hardly the guy Goodell should be targeting, but here we are...

He has mentioned he's wanted to call it a career the last 2 (?) off-seasons, but I think the Ravens constantly coming close to a SB visit is bringing him back.

[Guest]

I don't think it's a brain-dead thing. I think he has back or neck issues, maybe both, and doesn't want to be a shell of a person post-retirement. More of a fear of becoming Earl Campbell later in life than brain-dead, I'd guess. Regardless, he quite clearly tries harder to protect himself more than 99% of defensive players, save for some scared ass corners. Hardly the guy Goodell should be targeting, but here we are...

Neck issue, he's suffered problems with a nerve between his neck and shoulder.

[steeljake]

I didn't think the hit deserved a flag in the first place. What is he supposed to do, let the receiver catch the ball? It's called defense people.

[JimLeavy59]

So does the NFL just want guys taking out knees now?

[Obst]

It would be?

Hit on a defenseless receiver. No doubt in today's NFL

[Senser81]

Good to know that the NFL is managed the same way the VSN chatbox is.

[Liquidrob]

NFL turning into flag football, great hits will become a thing of the past

Here is a real head shot, step up your game NFL

[Rudi]

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed had his one-game suspension reduced to a fine of $50,000 following an appeal hearing Tuesday.

"I have determined that your actions were egregious and warrant significant discipline. However, I do not believe that your actions were so egregious as to subject you to a one-game suspension without pay," said Ted Cottrell, the hearing officer in the appeal.

"Player safety is the league's primary concern in the formation of playing rules and all players are expected to adhere to those rules or face disciplinary action. I hope in the future you will focus on ensuring that your play conforms to the rules."

Reed would've lost his game check of $423,529 had his suspension remained in effect.

Reed was penalized for unnecessary roughness for his third-quarter hit to Sanders' head and neck. The NFL said it was Reed's third violation of rules protecting defenseless receivers, highlighting past Reed hits to former Patriots receiver Deion Branch earlier this season and to Saints quarterback Drew Brees in 2010.

Others suspended for similar hits in past seasons include Steelers linebacker James Harrison and Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in 2011; Panthers defensive back Dante Wesley in 2009; Tampa Bay DB Elbert Mack and New York Jets safety Eric Smith in 2008; and Cowboys safety Roy Williams in 2007; and Titans DT Albert Haynesworth in 2006.

[Maynard]

Ed Reed's suspension overturned

[leaffan]

League doesn't want to deal with NFLPA coming back at them wondering why a player should lose half a mil.

NFLPA's reaction: