Washington Redskins defensive back Mark Carrier has been suspended without pay for this Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions for unnecessarily striking an opposing receiver with his helmet in last Sunday’s Redskins-Carolina Panthers game, the NFL announced today. In addition, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue will consider next week whether an additional fine will be imposed for this violation.

NFL Director of Football Operations Gene Washington issued the suspension following Carrier’s misuse of his helmet against Carolina tight end Wesley Walls in the second quarter of Sunday’s game.

Carrier appeared in New York Wednesday to appeal the suspension. NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Pash denied the appeal today. Carrier also can appeal any additional fine that may be issued by the Commissioner.

"Conduct similar to that for which Mr. Carrier has been disciplined for in the past would have certainly justified a multi-game suspension," wrote Pash in his decision. "The fact that the suspension will be limited to one game and is therefore less severe than the discipline imposed last year reflects the actual circumstances of Sunday’s play, and that it was different in character from at least certain previous plays that have resulted in fines or suspensions."

It was the fifth time in the past four years that the NFL has cited Carrier for 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…)."

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 NFL Players Association on playing rules matters.

Last season, Carrier, while with the Detroit Lions, was suspended for one game and fined an additional $50,000 for misusing his helmet against Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman on November 21. In 1998, Carrier was suspended for one game after an illegal helmet hit against Tampa Bay wide receiver Brice Hunter on September 28.