The NFL has reduced the three-game suspension issued on Friday to Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey to two games after his appeal was heard by Derrick Brooks. Pouncey’s original fine amount of $35,096 has been upheld, however. Additionally, the indefinite suspension handed down to Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, along with his fines that were issued, were upheld following his appeal.
Pouncey will miss the Steelers Week 12 game against the Cincinnati Bengals and the rematch against the Browns in Week 13. He’ll be back for the Steelers Week 14 road game against the Arizona Cardinals, however. B.J. Finney will start in Pouncey’s place at center for the next two games.
Pouncey was suspended three games on Friday following his actions during the Thursday night brawl that occurred during the Steelers road loss to the Browns. Those actions included him going after Garrett and attempting several punches and a kick to the player’s helmet attempt following the Browns defensive lineman ripping the helmet off of quarterback Mason Rudolph and then swinging and hitting the player in the head with it.
Pouncey said after the game that his actions toward Garrett in that melee were a result of him defending his teammate and that he would accept any punishment handed down by the league.
In my opinion, Pouncey’s three-game suspension being reduced by one game is the right decision following the player’s appeal. He deserved at least one game for swinging at Garrett and two at the most. Suspending Pouncey for three games was far too excessive.
