Giants’ Beckham Hit With One Game Suspension

The suspension is for “multiple violations of safety-related playing rules”. The two former NFL players are the officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFL Players Association to decide appeals of on-field player discipline. Without Beckham, the Giants (6-8) would be missing their best offensive weapon as they try to stay alive in the NFC East race. There were several instances of punching and shoving and wrestling between Beckham and Panthers cornerback Josh Norman, but the most egregious of the actions was a helmet-to-helmet hit on Norman where Beckham launched himself at the opponent while coming back to “block” on a running play.

The most blatant incident came in the third quarter, when Beckham Jr. evidently crashed his helmet into the side of Norman’s.

Beckham, who is expected to appeal the punishment, has 91 catches for 1,396 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. But what happened in his 26th game might have offered the most telling glimpse into a weakness that could have a major impact on his future.

The NFL, in its statement, questioned Beckham’s sportsmanship.

But, really, from where the Giants stand, and from where Beckham stands, that’s just a microscopic slice of the problem.

Beckham will not be permitted this week to attend team meetings and functions; attend or watch practices; appear at the club’s facilities for any reason; attend press conferences; appear at the team’s December 27 game; or have contact with any club personnel except to arrange off-site medical treatment or rehabilitation. Beckham will be reinstated on Monday, December 28.

Beckham refused to discuss his run-ins with Norman, skirting the questions by saying the loss was unfortunate. There was no media availability with Beckham on Monday. So, I just know if we have to play them again, it’s not going to go well. “He was 15 yards down the field and went straight for my head”.

“He’s got to learn at some point how to deal with some things on the field”, Coughlin said.

Taunts like the ones Norman directed at Beckham will continue to be directed at the receiver.

One person in particular who isn’t happy with Beckham, Jr., Mike Francesa, sounded off on the Giants wide receiver on his show Monday. “Josh Norman was on a football field with a baseball bat yesterday, insinuating to Odell Beckham, ‘I’m going to end your career”. An NFL Films camera captured images of Norman holding the bat. Some kind of unusual ritual where they lug Louisville Sluggers onto the field with them pregame?

Earlier that week coach Sean Payton gave every player a bat with the words “Bring the Wood!” emblazoned on the barrel of each one.

But Panthers corner Bene Benwirke used a string of tweets to say there was no truth to suggestions the bats were meant to intimidate. He said he was surprised to hear there’s an issue with the NFL. That fine, coupled with additional fines for fighting, could exceed $50,000 for Norman. Norman had fought his quarterback, Cam Newton, in training camp, and he was a willing participant in this prizefight too. “They’re a distraction. They break concentration”.

“The guy took a shot at me I don’t know how many times, ” Norman said of Beckham. He has great energy.