The NFL announced on Monday that Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette is set to miss Week 13 game against the Indianapolis Colts after ejection for fighting.
The league has decided to suspend Fournette for one game without paying for violations of unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness during Sunday’s game when he was involved in a fracas with Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson.
NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan explained in a letter to Fournette the reason for his suspension:
"Sportsmanship is the cornerstone of the game and the league will not tolerate game-related misconduct that conveys a lack of respect for the game itself and those involved in it. Video of the incident shows that you were not a participant in the play and that you ran from your sideline to the opposite side of the field to insert yourself as an active participant in a fight. Once you entered the fight area, you struck a member of the opposing team. Your actions adversely reflected on the NFL and have no place in the game."
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Fournette and Lawson were ejected for throwing punches during a fight that occurred in the late third quarter of Buffalo’s 24-21 win. The quarrel started when Jaguars receiver Donte Moncrief and Bills cornerback Levi Wallace refused to let go of the ball on a simultaneous reception near Bills’ goal line. Both players had to be separated as they walked into the tunnel where they continued exchanging words. Jacksonville running back briefly confronted a fan in the front row who made contact with him.
After the game, Fournette apologized in the locker room and on social media, pointing out that his emotions got the better of him. He apologized to all the kids and parents who watched the game, adding that the loss during such an important game was on him.
"You are going to have to rise up and also protect your own," Fournette said. "At the same time, you can't have that. I apologize to all the kids who look up to me and their parents. The biggest thing is, this loss [is] totally on me. I take [full responsibility]."
Jaguars’ player is expected to appeal the suspension, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
Regarding Shaq Lawson, the league announcement did not mention any punishment for him. Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott said he has already spoken with the three-year pro, but he would not discipline him.