Jets' Eric Smith loses suspension appeal

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Oct. 8 (UPI) -- New York Jets defensive back Eric Smith lost his appeal of the suspension and fine imposed by the NFL for his hit on Arizona's Anquan Boldin.

Smith was fined $50,000 and ordered to sit out for a game -- forfeiting his salary for that week -- after he made a helmet-on-helmet hit on Boldin late in the fourth quarter of the Jets' 56-35 win over the Cardinals Sept. 28. He appealed the penalties this week.

Jets Coach Eric Mangini on Wednesday confirmed that the NFL denied the appeal and said Smith would miss Sunday's game against Cincinnati.

Boldin was trying to catch a high pass in the end zone when he was hit by two players, including Smith. He was taken off the field on a backboard and hospitalized for observation. While tests in New York were negative, Boldin returned to Arizona with the Cardinals. He has subsequently undergone surgery for a fractured facial bone and is out indefinitely.