Dre Greenlaw will miss the Denver Broncos’ Week 8 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys due to a one-game suspension. The suspension stems from his alleged use of threatening language toward an NFL official during the Week 7 game against the New York Giants.
Greenlaw is not the only Broncos player to be disciplined following the incident, and the NFL is standing firm on its decision. The league has already upheld Greenlaw’s suspension after the veteran linebacker appealed.
### NFL EVP Sounds Off on Dre Greenlaw
Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, criticized Greenlaw’s actions, calling them “selfish” and declaring they have “no place in the game.” Vincent, who played 15 years in the league, emphasized that Greenlaw should have been celebrating with his teammates Bo Nix and Wil Lutz instead of seeking out an official.
Though referee Brad Allen did not disclose the exact language Greenlaw used, Vincent explained that the NFL acted based on Allen’s recommendation. The suspension was grounded on Greenlaw’s use of “abusive” and “threatening language.”
“We’ve been talking about sportsmanship for a few years. It’s the core of our game. And here, as a player, this is a great moment to celebrate. Celebrate the victory,” Vincent said during an interview with Mike Florio on “Pro Football Talk” on October 23. “This is selfish. To run and chase somebody down, we’re just better than that. The game’s better than that. We know that’s not being coached, and it just rose to that level.”
Greenlaw is eligible to return in Week 9 when the Broncos face the Houston Texans.
### Broncos Stand Behind Dre Greenlaw
Despite the suspension being upheld, Broncos head coach Sean Payton affirmed that the team stands behind Greenlaw. Payton’s support came shortly after he himself drew a penalty in the same game for entering the field of play while protesting a defensive pass interference call on cornerback Riley Moss.
Regarding questions about Greenlaw’s conduct, Vincent advised that inquiries should be directed to Greenlaw and the Broncos’ coaching staff.
“We all saw some of the contact, but we really focused in on someone who wasn’t even involved in the play,” Vincent said. “That situation puts everybody in a bind. Because now you’re in a hearing and you’re the PA [players association], who can defend what we saw? Celebrate the victory. It’s so hard to win during this time on game day, and there’s just no place, no place in the game for that.”
Vincent also shared guidance from Hall of Famer Willie Lanier about maintaining respect and refraining from turning the game into a “blood sport.”
“‘It’s a sport played by professionals. Everyone wants the same thing. They want to play hard, have success—individual and team success. But you cannot allow certain things,’” Vincent said. “Go at one another in between the whistles and, after the game, you shake hands, you pray together, and you move on to the next week.”
### Justin Strnad Fined for Making Contact With NFL Official
Greenlaw was not the only Broncos player to face NFL discipline. Linebacker Justin Strnad was fined for making contact with referee Brad Allen. The contact occurred as Allen was attempting to escape a celebratory swarm around Wil Lutz, just prior to his interaction with Greenlaw.
“There was some contact with, I think it was Justin, No. 40, and each one of those are just isolated,” Vincent explained. “He’ll be held accountable. So, that will come in a fine for him.”
Fortunately for the Broncos, Strnad started the first six games in Greenlaw’s place earlier this season.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/denver-broncos/vincent-take-greenlaw-suspension-strnad-fine-payton/
