Colts’ Erik Walden Suspended for Head-Butt

There’s no doubt that linebacker Erik Walden is one of the Indianapolis Colts‘ most athletic defenders, but he may not be known for his “heady” play, especially after exhibiting some particularly boneheaded judgement in last Thursday’s 30-27 win over the Tennessee Titans.

According to ESPN.com, an NFL source confirmed that Walden has been suspended one game for removing the helmet of Titans tight end Delanie Walker and head-butting him during the second quarter of Thursday’s contest. Walden was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, but surprisingly, was not ejected for the incident, which means he can appeal the suspension.

“You have to keep your cool,” Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said last Friday. “We talked about it as soon as he got off the field. I talked to all those guys. No matter how frustrated you are, no matter how the game is going, no matter what the guy did to you, you cannot retaliate. You have to keep your composure. You have to keep your poise no matter what.”

Walden apologized after the game, calling his actions “selfish,” but Walker wasn’t in a receptive mood after already being the receiver of a cheap blow.

“That’s dirty play, there is no need for stuff like that in the NFL,” Walker said. “If you’re getting your butt kicked, get your butt kicked. Don’t rip somebody’s helmet off and then head-butt them. I’m surprised he didn’t get ejected. …”

Since Walden seems to have held himself accountable for his dirty play, it’s unlikely that he’ll appeal, which means he will probably miss this Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. Before the season began, we might have figured the Colts wouldn’t need their best players against Arizona, but after winning six of their first 10 games, the Cards have proven they are a legitimate playoff contender in the NFC. So, consider Walden’s absence a factor before betting the spread, which currently has the surprising Cardinals as a slight favorite.