Titans’ Michael Griffin Suspended 1 Game for Hit
The Tennessee Titans earned a much needed win against the Oakland Raiders this past Sunday, but lost a key defender for their next contest in the process.
The Titans’ physical defense was a big reason for their 23-19 win – a win that keeps them in the AFC wild card hunt – but starting safety Michael Griffin got a bit overzealous and delivered an illegal helmet-to-helmet blow to Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera, which has resulted in a one-game ban for the veteran defender.
According to ESPN.com, the NFL issued the suspension on Monday. Griffin will also be prohibited from participating in practice this week and – unless he appeals the decision – will miss this Sunday’s game against the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts.
Griffin’s history with illegal hits likely factored into the league’s decision to suspend him, instead of simply issuing a fine. His most recent violation is his fourth hit on a defenseless receiver since 2011 and second this season. However, the hit on Rivera was particularly punishing, as the rookie tight end had his helmet knocked off and left the game immediately following the play. After the game, Rivera was diagnosed with a concussion.
“All I can say is I apologize to the Titans fans, my teammates and the organization,” Griffin told The Tennessean. “I also hope Rivera is doing well and I apologize to [Rivera] and his family. I was trying to do my job but in the end I hurt the team.”
Griffin also apologized via his Twitter account and said that he plans to appeal the decision, but considering the severity of the hit, the fact that it resulted in a head injury, and Griffin’s past offenses, it seems highly unlikely that he’ll be able to get the one-game suspension revoked.
Assuming he doesn’t play, the Titans will be without one of their most experienced defensive players against the Colts this weekend in what is easily the most significant game of the season so far for Tennessee. A win would draw the Titans within one game of the AFC South lead, while a loss would put them three games out and leave them with little room for error in order to secure even a wild card spot in the AFC.
It’s unclear who might replace Griffin at safety, but it’s safe to say the Titans will be at an even bigger disadvantage on the road in Indy this weekend, regardless of who takes his place. Be sure to keep tabs on the line as the week moves along, but for now, I’d lean towards the Colts at -4 points.
