The Denver Broncos managed a shock win against the New York Giants, after being down 19-0 by the start of the fourth quarter, only to bring the game to within two points with 37 seconds left in the game, and convert a 39-yard walk-off field goal.
The Broncos will feel even better about that win, given that it secures their sole spot atop the AFC West, and perhaps acts as some spiritual evening of the scores after the team lost to the Indianapolis Colts in similar fashion after conceding a huge penalty that helped to give Indy the 29-28 win as time ran out.
Yet, it was not all smiles and laughs as Denver found a critical, last-second victory against a rapidly improving Giants team. All-Pro linebacker, Dre Greenlaw, having just come back a thigh injury suffered over the offseason, made his debut for the Broncos on Sunday, making six total tackles.
Broncos Linebacker Suspeneded For One Game After Confrontation
But Greenlaw will have to wait for a while longer before he sees the field again, as he has been suspended by the NFL for one game, per the league.
Denver Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been suspended without pay for one game for unsportsmanlike conduct following Sundayâs game against the New York Giants.” The NFL’s press release read.
The league claimed that the former San Francisco 49er chased the game’s referee, Brad Allen, around and “verbally threatened him”.
“After the conclusion of the Giants-Broncos game,” the press release continued, “Greenlaw chased after referee Brad Allen and verbally threatened him as he tried to leave the field.
The NFL issued the suspension for a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1(b), which prohibits ‘the use of abusive, threatening or insulting language or gestures to opponents, teammates, officials, or representatives of the League.’”
Why Was Dre Greenlaw Suspended For One Game?
Tom Pelissero shared a video from CBS’ Alex Wilcox that shows Greenlaw running after Brad Allen after Will Lutz scored the game-winning field goal as time expired.
Greenlaw broke from the huddle and seemed to be shouting something at Allen, before the 28-year old pointed to the referee and moved away.
Allen then seems to turn and point back after Greenlaw turned his back to the officiating staff, looking to seek attention from his colleagues before a flag was ultimately thrown.
“Unsportsmanlike conduct” was the official penalty, but Greenlaw has essentially been suspended for insulting the official, which is very much in line with the league’s movement towards making good sportsmanship towards both players and the referees a priority.
The press release finally notes that “Greenlaw will be eligible to return to the Broncosâ active roster on Monday, Oct. 27, following the teamâs Oct. 26 game against the Dallas Cowboys.”, and that “under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Greenlaw has three days to appeal the suspension.”
But unless Greenlaw can prove that he really said nothing of offense in the slightest towards Allen, he will probably have to eat the suspension and return in week 9.
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