The NFL has suspended Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis two games for his blindside block that put Packers receiver Davante Adams in the concussion protocol.
Davis delivered the block against Adams during an interception return in the third quarter of the Panthers' 31-24 win on Sunday. Adams left the game and is in the concussion protocol.
Yiiiiiiiikes pic.twitter.com/cKP7hzwU8L
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) December 17, 2017
NFL executive vice president of football operations Jon Runyan issued the suspension via a letter addressed to Davis, citing violation of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 7 (b) (1) which prohibits unnecessary contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture by “forcibly hitting the defenseless player’s head or neck area with the helmet, facemask, forearm or shoulder, even if the initial contact is lower than the player’s neck.”
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Runyan continued: “During an interception return, you took a path toward your opponent who was pursuing the play and delivered a violent and unnecessary blindside block to his head and neck area. You have been previously fined for violations of safety-related rules. Your actions yesterday warrant an escalation of discipline, not only because they were flagrant, but also because of your status as a repeat offender.”
Thomas Davis has been suspended 2 games for violation of safety-related playing rules pic.twitter.com/nJfRUjn61m
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) December 18, 2017
Davis plans to appeal the suspension. If upheld, he would miss the Dec. 24 game against the Buccaneers and the Dec. 31 game against the Falcons.
Adams took aim at Davis on Twitter Monday, accusing the veteran linebacker of headhunting.
"I'll never understand it. Game is already dangerous enough and we got Pro Bowl players out here head hunting and saying they 'didn't mean to harm me,'" Adams tweeted.
Davis responded with an apology:
"I understand your frustration and I do apologize for the hit! In no way was I trying to hurt you. My first instinct was turn and make a block. In all sincerity I do apologize. I truly respect you as a player and I made a mistake!" Davis tweeted.