New York, NY – Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Dashon Goldson was suspended one game without pay after his helmet-to-helmet hit on Saints running back Darren Sproles in the second quarter of Sunday's game.
Goldson was hit with the ban Monday for "flagrant and repeat violation of NFL safety rules prohibiting hits to the head and neck area of defenseless players," the NFL said.
The violation was Goldson's fifth for unnecessary roughness since 2011 and second through two weeks of the season. Last week, Goldson was fined $30,000 for hitting New York Jets tight end Jeff Cumberland.
NFL vice president of football operations Merton Hanks informed Goldson of the suspension in a letter:
"You had an unobstructed path to your opponent," Hanks wrote. "It is clear that you lowered your head and unnecessarily rammed the left side of your helmet into the left side of your opponent's head. You delivered a forceful blow with your helmet and made no attempt whatsoever to wrap up your opponent or make a conventional tackle on the play. This illegal contact clearly could have been avoided."
Goldson will appeal the suspension, according to reports.
He has 16 tackles in two games this season, his first with the Bucs. The Washington product played his first six seasons with the 49ers.
The 28-year-old Goldson can't practice this week or play in the Buccaneers' game on Sunday at New England. He can return to football activities with the team next Monday.
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