Alaric Jackson’s suspension for punching Bradley Chubb after Monday night’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams was reduced from two games to one, the NFL said Wednesday.
The Rams’ left tackle had appealed Tuesday’s ruling by the league. Hearing officer Derrick Brooks, who was jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association, heard the appeal and reduced the punishment to one game.
The league initially said Jackson violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,” when he struck Chubb following the Rams’ 37-34 overtime loss in Los Angeles on Monday.
“Have to make better decisions than that,” Rams coach Sean McVay said Tuesday.
Jackson now will sit out only the Rams’ Week 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals. David Quessenberyy will start in his place, McVay said Tuesday.
In a scene captured by ESPN‘s cameras, Jackson stood near midfield following Monday’s game while exchanging jerseys with Bills defensive lineman Deone Walker when Chubb said something to him. Jackson then walked toward Chubb before punching the linebacker in the face with his right hand.
On Wednesday, Chubb told reporters that he initiated the conversation with Jackson.
“I’ve heard I was talking about his mom,” Chubb said. “That’s not true at all. I said: ‘We’re gonna see y’all’s ass again. And when we see you again, all that chipping ain’t gonna save you. That tight end and guard is not going to save you.’ He said, ‘What’d you say?’ I said, ‘That chip’s not gonna save you. The guard’s not gonna save you.’ And then boom.”
Chubb said he hasn’t heard from Jackson since the incident.
“We’re going to learn from it,” Chubb said. “Me personally, I learned I’m either going to have my hands up or wear a helmet.”
This is Jackson’s second NFL suspension. He sat out for two games in 2024 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
