Sources: NFL likely to suspend Odell Beckham Jr. for one game

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Monday, December 21, 2015

The NFL is discussing potential discipline for Odell Beckham Jr., but sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter that a one-game suspension is likely to come down against the New York Giants receiver.

Beckham would be suspended for his actions during the Giants' 38-35 loss to the Panthers on Sunday, during which he delivered a deliberate shot to the helmet of Carolina cornerback Josh Normanafter the play was over. Beckham also incurred three personal foul penalties Sunday.

"All the concussion stuff that's going around, they're trying to prevent head-to-head, and if that wasn't the blatant head-to-head, I don't know what is," Norman told ESPN's Mike & Mike on Monday, also calling Beckham "Two-Face."

Beckham and Norman went at it almost from the start of the game. They repeatedly were shoving and wrestling with each other. On one drive, Beckham was flagged twice for unnecessary roughness and Norman also drew an unnecessary roughness penalty.

Norman said Beckham should have been ejected and that he hoped the league would punish the wide receiver.

"I hope the league office gets a chance to review the film and see what they can do, because players like that don't deserve to be in the game,'' Norman said. "I mean, it's ridiculous."

The NFL said in a statement that the decision to eject a player can be made by the on-field officials only.

After the game, Beckham was asked about Norman and whether he lost his cool. He would only say that it was "unfortunate" the Giants lost.

Beckham also repeatedly credited the Panthers and took blame for dropping an early touchdown pass. He said he regretted his three penalties but added that the officials usually flag the player who retaliates in most cases and that the score would still end up "35-35 in the fourth quarter" despite the penalties.

"You never want to hurt your team like that, and I have learned throughout my life, always, second man gets caught," Beckham said. "It is just unfortunate."

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Beckham lost his composure but regained it later in the game. He said he strongly considered taking Beckham out in the third quarter to avoid any harm when the Giants were trailing by as much as 35-7.

New York went on to mount a 28-point comeback, including a game-tying touchdown reception by Beckham, before losing on a last-second Graham Gano field goal.

Coughlin said he had spoken to Beckham before the game about keeping his cool.

"We had discussed prior to the game, going in, what the expectation would be, and he thought that that was all behind him," Coughlin said. "But he did lose his composure. ... I'll talk to him about it, and I'm not going to discuss anymore. Whatever we have to discuss, we will discuss in private."

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Monday that his team is ready to move on.

"The biggest thing is let the league go through its process and make their decision," Rivera said. "For the most part, we're going to move on from that obviously because the next thing that's coming up is we have a game with Atlanta.

"Our biggest focus and our main goal is to get home field throughout.''

Beckham, who finished Sunday with six catches for 76 yards and the touchdown, could appeal any suspension and continue to play until it is heard and ruled on.

Information from ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk and David Newton contributed to this report.

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