5 days ago
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Carolina Panthers safety Tre'von Moehrig has been suspended for one game after he hit San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings in the groin.
The incident occurred during Monday Night Football - where multiple camera angles showed Moehrig winding up and punching his rival between the legs.
At the end of the game, an incensed Jennings approached Moehrig and smacked him in the helmet before being shoved away.
After that smack was shown, ESPN found video of Moehrig's needless punch below the belt.
In a press release announcing the suspension, the NFL says Moehrig's punishment was for 'unsportsmanlike conduct'.
Specifically, the league said his punch violated, 'Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,” including, among others, “throwing a punch, or a forearm, or kicking at an opponent.”'
Panthers safety Tre'von Moehrig was suspended one game for punching a 49ers player
The ESPN cameras caught the moment where Moehrig delivered the unwarranted blow
Moehrig is set to return to the Panthers' roster on December 1 after the team plays against the Los Angeles Rams.
The league's Collective Bargaining Agreement allows Moehrig to appeal the decision - which would be heard by one of three former players: Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson.
After the punch, Jennings was seen doubled over in pain while holding both hands over his privates in agony.
He also appeared to appeal to an official for any kind of penalty flag, but that did not appear to materialize.
After both players went to their respective locker rooms, they addressed the situation.
Moehrig told reporters that Jennings was trash talking him and shoved him in the back, 'There really ain't nothing much to it... I'll take that one, he wanted to do a little dirty stuff, so, it is what it is man.'
Jennings separately said to reporters in his locker room, 'The TV gon' tell you what happened, man. I was just responding to... to me, some childish behavior.'
Niners coach Kyle Shanahan was also asked about the postgame shoving match: 'The guy took a cheap shot and hit him in the balls. I was real proud of Jauan for not losing his mind out there.'
The two players then came to blows again at the end of the game, needing to be separated
Jennings had an impactful evening for San Francisco - delivering the first points of the game.
Quarterback Brock Purdy - who has made a full return and recovery from injury - found the veteran wide receiver out of Tennessee for a 12-yard touchdown completion to open the contest.
Carolina and San Francisco would trade field goals to make it a 10-3 game at the half.
Out of the midway point, Niners running back Christian McCaffrey ran in for the second San Francisco touchdown of the evening to make it 17-3.
While a Carolina pitch-and-catch to rookie Tetairoa McMillan cut the game close, a made field goal from the Niners and a missed kick from the Panthers led to another San Francisco win.
The win moves the NFC West powerhouse squad to 8-4 on the season.
MORE TO FOLLOW.
