Indianapolis Colts fear linebacker Gary Brackett’s suspension
Linebacker Gary Brackett is speculated to be burdened with a heavy fine by the National Football League for a helmet-to-helmet hit during Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. The Colts just hope that their defensive captain does not end up with a
suspension.
The league has instigated a policy of increasing fines for repeat offenders. The NFL has also threatened that if a player is not seen changing the way he plays the game, putting in an effort to protect himself and other players from injury, he could face
suspension for a game or more.
Brackett has already been fined twice by the league and this would mark the third time for the Colts defender. The Colts have good reason to fear that the third penalty could include a suspension. Up till now the NFL has not suspended any player for illegal
hits, including Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison who was fined $100,000 so far in the season for 4 separate offences. However, recently the league reduced one of those fines because it believed Harrison and two others had shown a commitment to adhere to
the NFL’s rules regarding hits to the head.
Indianapolis Colts coach, Jim Caldwell has said that if the league decided to suspend Brackett ahead of their scheduled game against the New York Jets this Saturday, then the Colts would appeal the decision. Brackett drew a penalty for an illegal blind side
hit on Ken Amato during the game against the Titans in which the Colts took the AFC South title.
The veteran Colt has 75 tackles for the Colts this year and is responsible for half of a sack. He has started 12 games for Indianapolis and the Colts lost two games which the linebacker did not start. The Colts’ defence would be spread thin if they were
forced to work without him against the New York Jets’ offence with quarterback Mark Sanchez ready to action.
The Colts could possibly delay the suspension with an appeal. Even if the decision is not reverted, it could buy the Colts enough time to last through the playoffs. Indianapolis has already been struggling with injuries and it can do without suspensions.
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