Denver Broncos linebacker Randy Gregory and Los Angeles Rams guard Oday Aboushi have each been suspended one game after the two traded blows following the Rams’ 51-14 win Sunday.
As the teams crowded the middle of the field on their way to their locker rooms after the game, Gregory and Aboushi exchanged words — with helmets on — and Gregory punched Aboushi in the helmet. Aboushi responded with a punch of his own before they were separated.
In letters sent to the players Monday, NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan said, “as you were walking toward a group of teammates, coaches, and media, you both stopped and swung at each other’s head and/or neck. Your aggressive conduct could have caused serious injury and clearly does not reflect the high standards of sportsmanship expected of a professional.”
Gregory and Aboushi will be eligible to return to their respective teams on Jan. 2. The players can appeal their suspensions, an option Aboushi will take, according to Rams coach Sean McVay.
Gregory also will appeal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He issued an apology Monday night, saying in part that what happened “was not a reflection of my character.”
“My goal is to finish out this season strong, play with pride, and be part of the solution and not the problem going forward,” he said.
Sunday was just the second time Gregory had played since he suffered a knee injury in Week 4. He signed a five-year, $70 million deal in the offseason but has been limited to six games.
The postgame skirmish capped a game of undisciplined moments for Gregory. He was pulled from the game twice by coach Nathaniel Hackett, once in the first half when Gregory was flagged after he threw his helmet after a Rams touchdown, then later when he was flagged for a late hit on Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield.
“After that second one, we took him out — that’s unacceptable,” said Hackett, who was fired Monday.
Gregory declined to address the incidents after the game other than to say, “Y’all want to know if I hit him in the mouth — I did.”
Information from ESPN’s Jeff Legwold was used in this report.
