In a press release sent out on Monday afternoon, the NFL announced that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is suspended one game without pay for his late hit on New Orleans Saints defensive back, Marshon Lattimore. He was cited for violating the league's “unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness rules.”
After a play in Sunday's game, Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston was seen taunting Lattimore by the sideline. After getting poked in the back of the neck, Lattimore shoved Winston. Standing up for his signal caller, Evans decided to come in and blindside Lattimore from behind. A short-lived brawl ensued:
https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/927642236187226113
NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan sent a letter to Evans and the Bucs explaining the suspension; here is a passage from that message:
“During the third quarter, after a play had ended, you struck an unsuspecting opponent in the back, knocking him to the ground. Your conduct clearly did not reflect the high standards of sportsmanship expected of a professional.”
Given how Tampa Bay's season has gone, you can understand why Evans is so frustrated. The talented wideout is still on pace to surpass the 1,000 receiving yard plateau for the fourth time in his four NFL seasons, but overall his yardage per game and touchdowns are down. Additionally, the Buccaneers were predicted by many pundits to reach the postseason, but currently their record stands at 2-6. Unless they turn things around in a hurry, they'll miss the playoffs for the 10th straight season.
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