Lions C Dominic Raiola Suspension Upheld, Out For Week 17

Update:

Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports reports that Lions C Dominic Raiola‘s one-game suspension was upheld, which means he’ll miss Week 17’s game against the Packers.

The appeal was heard by jointly appointed officer Derrick Brooks.

———

The NFL has announced that Lions C Dominic Raiola has, in fact, been suspended for Week 17’s game without pay.

Here’s the full release from the NFL:

Center DOMINIC RAIOLA of the Detroit Lions has been suspended without pay for one game for a violation of safety-related playing rules in Sunday’s game against Chicago, his sixth safety-related rules violation since 2010.

In the third quarter of Sunday’s game, Raiola stomped on the leg of Bears defensive tackle EGO FERGUSON at the conclusion of a play, violating Rule 12, Section 2, Article 12 (b) of the NFL Rule Book prohibiting “kicking or kneeing an opponent.” Raiola has been previously disciplined five times since 2010, including once earlier this season, for safety-related rules violations.

The suspension was imposed by NFL Vice President of Football Operations MERTON HANKS. Raiola will not be permitted to attend team meetings and functions; attend or watch practices; appear at the club’s facilities for any reason; attend press conferences; appear at the team’s December 28 game, or have contact with any club personnel except to arrange off-site medical treatment or rehabilitation. Raiola will be reinstated on Monday, December 29.

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the suspension may be appealed within three business days. Appeals are heard and decided by either DERRICK BROOKS or TED COTTRELL, the officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline.

———–

Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports reports that the Lions have told C Dominic Raiola to expect a one-game suspension for stepping on the ankle of Bears DT Ego Ferguson.

• Garafolo adds that no official discipline has been levied as of now, but this is the expectation.
• According to Garafolo, Raiola could appeal his suspension in hopes of getting it reduced to a fine before Sunday’s game.
• Garafolo posted a  video of the incident yesterday.

Raiola maintained that it was an accident and that did not mean to step on Ferguson’s ankle.

Lions HC Jim Caldwell admitted that a suspension “could be a possibility” on Monday, but added that he believes the incident was “inadvertent.”

“Obviously, I took a good look at it, both the coaches and also the television copy as well,” Caldwell said. “I believe what Dom told me, that it was inadvertent, but I can also see why obviously it’s being reviewed by the league and everybody’s taking a real good look at it. You can also see the other side of that as well.”

The Lions are playing the Packers for the NFC North title next weekend as well as a first-round playoff bye, so there is plenty on the line for both teams.

Not having their starting center would definitely be a setback for the Lions.