FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NFL-59 11/22/99

Detroit Lions defensive back Mark Carrier was notified today that he has been suspended for one game without pay and fined an additional $50,000 for unnecessarily striking an opposing receiver with his helmet in Sunday’s Lions-Green Bay Packers game, the NFL announced today.

NFL Director of Football Operations Gene Washington issued the suspension following Carrier’s misuse of his helmet against Green Bay wide receiver Antonio Freeman in the third quarter of Sunday’s game. Carrier’s suspension will be served Thursday when the Lions play the Chicago Bears in Detroit. In addition to the suspension without pay, Carrier was fined $50,000.

It was the fourth time in the past three years that the NFL has cited Carrier for the improper use of his helmet.

Washington said Sunday’s hit 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’s letter to Carrier also advised him that if he wishes to appeal the suspension and fine NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue would be available to hear that appeal prior to Thursday.

George Young, the NFL’s senior vice president of football operations, said 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 Players Association on playing rules matters.

Last season, Carrier was suspended for one game after the misuse of his helmet against Tampa Bay wide receiver Brice Hunter on Monday night, September 28.

In 1997, Carrier was fined once for impermissible use of his helmet and later warned about another hit in the same game. He was fined $7,500 for a hit against Green Bay on September 28, 1997. After the fine was issued, Gene Washington was made aware of another impermissible helmet hit by Carrier in the same game and notified Carrier in writing that another infraction of this type during the 1997 season would be viewed as a third offense.