The NFL handed down multiple suspensions on Friday, with notable players facing consequences for violations of the league’s personal conduct policy. Among those suspended were Rams offensive lineman Alaric Jackson, Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones, and free agent cornerbacks J.C. Jackson and Chris Claybrooks.
Alaric Jackson, a key player for the Rams, received a two-game suspension. Jackson, who joined Los Angeles as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2021, had a strong season last year after overcoming health issues. He started all 15 regular-season games and one playoff game for the Rams. However, he will now miss the team’s opener against the Detroit Lions and their Week 2 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Joe Noteboom is expected to step in as the starting left tackle in Jackson’s absence.
Zay Jones, who recently signed with the Arizona Cardinals, was handed a five-game suspension. Jones, who previously played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, faced charges of misdemeanor domestic battery last November. Although the charges were dropped in March, the NFL conducted its own investigation and decided on the suspension. Jones will be eligible to return to the Cardinals for their Week 6 game against the Green Bay Packers.
J.C. Jackson, who split his time between the Chargers and Patriots last season, received a one-game suspension. Jackson, who earned an All-Pro nod in 2021, played in eight games for the Patriots after being traded to New England. On the other hand, Chris Claybrooks, who was with the Jaguars last season but was on the Commissioner’s Exempt List, received an eight-game suspension. However, the suspension time was considered served while he was on the list last season.
Claybrooks, a seventh-round draft pick out of Memphis in 2020, faced legal issues in 2023. He was arrested in Tennessee in April for domestic assault with bodily injury and vandalism, and then again in July in Florida for domestic violence. These incidents have led to his suspension from the NFL.
Overall, these suspensions serve as a reminder of the NFL’s commitment to upholding its personal conduct policy and holding players accountable for their actions both on and off the field. It is crucial for players to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the league and their respective teams.