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david newton
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The NFL has suspended Carolina Panthers safety Trayvon Moehrig for one game without pay for hitting San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jaune Jennings in the groin area on Monday night.
A source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Moehrig is appealing the fine. The appeal will be adjudicated by hearing officers appointed jointly by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson.
If the suspension is upheld, he will miss the Panthers’ game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
The Panthers also may be without Pro Bowl cornerback Jesse Horn, who suffered a concussion late in the first half on Monday. Coach Dave Canales said Horn will be evaluated daily.
Canales said that Horn’s replacement, Corey Thornton, suffered a season-ending tibia fracture that will require surgery.
As for Moehrig, Canales acknowledged that the two had a conversation but declined to discuss what his thoughts were on the incident after reviewing the film. However, he added that Moehrig is also struggling with an ankle problem.
“He will be working day-to-day,” Canales said. “We will give you a full report on Wednesday.”
In Monday’s late game, won by the 49ers 20–9, television cameras showed Moehrig punching Jennings in the groin area. Jennings did not immediately respond and was seen pleading with officers to throw a flag at Moehrig. However, Jennings hit Moehrig on his face mask after the game with a sharp, open-handed right cross. Jennings was not punished by the NFL on Tuesday.
“I was just responding to some childish antics,” Jennings said of his actions after the game.
San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Moehrig’s move was a “lousy shot”.
Carolina is 6-6, a half-game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) in the NFC South heading into Sunday’s home game against the Rams (8-2).
ESPN’s Nick Wagner contributed to this report.
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