In the same brawl that saw Oakland Raiders receiver Michael Crabtree and Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib suspended for two games (later reduced to one), Oakland guard Gabe Jackson was also ejected for contact with an official. Only, unlike Crabtree and Talib, Jackson was not suspended.
The NFL Referee’s Association has reportedly made it known that its bothered by that.
The NFLRA sent a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell this afternoon saying "We are very concerned that there was not a suspension of Raiders (guard) Gabe Jackson based on the melee that occurred."
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 30, 2017
The letter, addressed from NFLRA chief Scott Green to Goodell, said that the official Jackson pushed down, Laird Hayes, went to the doctor on Monday with bruised ribs and shortness of breath. He's expected to work on Walt Anderson's crew this weekend.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 30, 2017
At first, it does seem out of order. The NFL wanted to make a point with Talib and Crabtree, but not around the guy who actually laid hands on an official.
But in reality, Jackson’s lack of suspension is protocol. As Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review Journal noted, the standard punishment for a first offender is a fine of just above $30,000.
The fight was ugly. Certainly, Jackson deserves punishment for his role. But if it’s the normal procedure, Jackson’s previous reputation is certainly good enough to justify not suspending him.