Advertisement

Minnesota Vikings: NFL suspends safety Andrew Sendejo one game

By The Sports Xchange
Seattle Seahawks tight end Nick Vannett (81) is wrapped up by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Andrew Sendejo (34) during the third quarter of a preseason game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on August 18, 2016. File photo by Jim Bryant/UPI
Seattle Seahawks tight end Nick Vannett (81) is wrapped up by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Andrew Sendejo (34) during the third quarter of a preseason game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington on August 18, 2016. File photo by Jim Bryant/UPI | License Photo

The NFL suspended Minnesota Vikings safety Andrew Sendejo one game for a violaton of safety-related playing rules in Sunday's win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Sendejo was punished for his hit on Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace early in Sunday's game. The hit sent Wallace's helmet flying and knocked Wallace from the game. Senjedo was flagged for unneccessary roughness on the play.

Advertisement

"The violation was flagrant and warrants a suspension because it could have been avoided, was violently directed at the head and neck area and unreasonably placed both you and an opposing player at risk of serious injury," explained NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan in a statement.

Sendejo will be eligible to return to Minnesota's active roster on Oct. 30 following the team's game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in London.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer defended the hit after the game and said he planned to send a tape of the incident to be reviewed by the league, according to the Star-Tribune of Minneapolis.

Advertisement

"I think the receiver took five steps after he caught the ball and I think (Sendejo) hit him with a glancing blow," Zimmer said. "I know what (the officials) told me, but I'm going to turn it in and see what they say."

Sendejo has the right to appeal the suspension. He was fined by the league earlier this season for a hit to the helmet of Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate.

Latest Headlines