New England Patriots superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski made headlines for all the wrong reasons in Week 13 with his dirty hit on Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White. The cheap shot by “Gronk” understandably triggered major backlash on social media; however, it was magnified by the fact that he only received a one-game suspension for concussing White.

Although he expressed remorse soon thereafter, Gronkowski surprisingly decided to try and appeal the ruling. According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the NFL upheld his one-game suspension:

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Dallas Cowboys RB Jaydon Blue next to LB Jack Sanborn and a silhouette of an American football player with a big question mark emoji inside. There is also a logo for the Dallas Cowboys.
3 Dallas Cowboys hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowBen Strauss ·
Former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver and Super Bowl MVP Hines Ward signs a card for Erie resident Melanie Hoitinga, who was the first person in line for Ward's Aug. 19, 2023, autograph session at Dick's Sporting Goods reopening within the Millcreek Mall.
New Steelers WR embraces comparison to franchise legendBenjamin Adducchio ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) listens to the play calling on the sideline during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Colorado football coach Deion Sanders blasts negative pre-draft rumors around Shedeur SandersPreston Byers ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers, Jets would make Week 1 history if Aaron Rodgers signsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1) during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium.
Patriots rumors: Mike Florio examines ‘complicated’ Stefon Diggs cut scenarioBen Strauss ·
Kansas City Chiefs WR Jalen Royals with RB Brashard Smith and a silhouette of an American football player with a big question mark emoji inside. There is also a logo for the Kansas City Chiefs.
3 Kansas City Chiefs hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowBen Strauss ·

The decision means that Gronkowski will be unavailable for their AFC East showdown with the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night this week. Furthermore, it also confirms the league's disapproval of his inexcusable actions.

However, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell still received scathing criticism for the similar punishment handed down to Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, who was also suspended for one game. Contrary to Gronkowski's cheap shot, Smith-Schuster's devastating hit on Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict happened during a live play.

Regardless of the decision to uphold Gronkowski's suspension, some pundits feel his punishment should have been much more severe. Although attempting to appeal such suspensions is a normal course of action for most players, Gronkowski's decision to do so amidst all the fallout was bizarre, to say the least.