Marshawn Lynch appeals NFL suspension, argues precedent
Marshawn Lynch showed up to NFL appeals today in search of a ruling that would remove his suspension for making contact with a referee.
The Oakland Raiders gladly signed Marshawn Lynch during the offseason in hopes of added publicity and red zone touchdowns. While he had a quiet first several weeks to the season, Lynch became the talk of the sports world on Thursday Night Football.
As the majority of players and fans know, Marshawn is an emotional guy, and he reinforced his persona Thursday night by running onto the field after Derek Carr took a hard hit from the Chiefs’ Marcus Peters. The hit itself seemed unnecessary, with Carr’s forward progress stopping prior to the arrival of Peters. A flag was thrown on the play, and a scrum ensued. Players from both teams immediately locked arms, pushing and shoving until the officials got between them. Lynch had a serious problem with the hit, and eventually grabbed a referee in the struggle. He was ejected for the game after that play.
The NFL handed down a one-game suspension to Lynch due to his actions on the field last Thursday night. Today, Adam Schefter reported that Lynch appealed his suspension.
NFL Appeals Officer James Thrash heard Marshawn Lynch’s appeal today for 1-game suspension, per sources. A decision is expected Tuesday.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2017
Chiefs CB Marcus Peters spoke on behalf of Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch during today’s appeal, as @JayGlazer said. Al Davis never would believe
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2017
Marshawn Lynch argued that 9 players, including Aaron Donald and Taylor Lewan last season, made contact with an official; none suspended.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2017
While I can’t see the NFL changing their ruling on Marshawn Lynch’s suspension, he might have a case. Lynch’s actions were in no way appropriate, especially since he sprinted from the Raiders sideline towards the scuffle. However, precedent is important when looking into a suspension.
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If there have been other instances where players avoided suspensions after also making contact with a referee then why is Marshawn’s case any different? It at least deserves a second look. Clearly, Marshawn had no intentions of hurting the referee. His only concern was the health and safety of his quarterback, and perhaps Peters as well. As reported by Jay Glazer, Peters actually spoke in favor of Lynch at the hearing.
Peters stood up for Lynch during his hearing, and it warms the heart. I don’t see the NFL overruling the suspension, as good of a story it would be. The fact of the matter is Lynch ran from the sideline onto the field of play, which in itself should be worthy of discipline, but he also he broke one of the golden rules of sports. Don’t touch a referee. Ever. It’s just not a good idea.