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FOR USE AS DESIRED
BRONCOS’ KENNEDY SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY Denver Broncos defensive back Kenoy Kennedy has been suspended without pay for this Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs following his third illegal helmet-to-helmet hit of the season, the NFL announced today. NFL Director of Football Operations Gene Washington issued the suspension following Kennedy’s misuse of his helmet against Miami wide receiver Chris Chambers in the second quarter of last Sunday night’s Broncos-Dolphins game. Kennedy’s infraction this past week marked the third time this season that the NFL has cited him for improper use of his helmet. He was fined $7,500 for a helmet-to-helmet hit against Isaac Bruce of the St. Louis Rams on September 8 and was fined an additional $10,000 for the same violation against Fred McCrary of the San Diego Chargers in an October 6 game. Washington said Kennedy’s misuse of his helmet violated Rule 12, Section 2, Article 8(g) of the Official NFL Playing Rules: "…using any part of a player’s helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/hairline parts) or facemask to violently and unnecessarily butt, spear or ram an opponent; although such violent and unnecessary use of the helmet and facemask is impermissible against any opponent, game officials will give special attention in administering this rule to protecting those players who are in virtually defenseless postures (e.g., a player in the act of or just after throwing a pass, a receiver catching or attempting to catch a pass…)." Washington noted that the NFL Competition Committee has placed a high priority on enforcing these rules both in its reports to the clubs and in its discussions with representatives of the NFL Players Association on playing rules. ### |