Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson has been fined four times, ejected twice and suspended twice for hits that the NFL has deemed illegal this season.
As a repeat offender, Jackson’s appeal to have his latest four-game suspension reduced was declined, but the safety has received support from teammates and even from Tom Brady, albeit indirectly.
Now going on Game 2 of his four-game punishment, Jackson is set to fly to New York on Wednesday to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Speaking at Pat Surtain’s charity event on Tuesday, Jackson said he is seeking clarity from the league on what he believes are inconsistent punishments.
“I feel like its a lot of gray area,” Jackson said. “For me, I see a lot of same things happening around the league that — you, know, guys aren’t going through what I’m going through. No flags, no fines, no suspensions.
“Not really sure why I’m being treated the way I’m being treated. I’m making regular football plays — nothing malicious in my opinion. But at the same time, [I want] some clarity, I just want to know why I’m the only person that’s going through what I’m going through.”
At @PatSurtainll’s charity event, @ReemBoi25 speaking for the first time since his 4-game suspension. He’s flying to NYC to meet with Roger Goodell tomorrow, but isn’t optimistic anything will come of it.@KOAColorado #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/q3X57Md7i3
— Brandon Krisztal (@BKDenverSports) November 29, 2023
Jackson said he felt like he’s the poster child for whatever the NFL is attempting to “get across or prove.” The safety also criticized the NFL for not allowing suspended players in team facilities despite the league’s advocacy for mental health. Jackson said being cut off from the team and not having a support system is not the way the NFL should treat players if the league truly cares about players.
“A lot of things they’re doing and saying is contradictory in my opinion, so hopefully I can get some clarity.”
Jackson, 35, has been docked $838,333 worth of game checks via suspension this season in addition to $89,670 worth of fines (he did win some appeals on those fines, but it’s unclear how much the fines were reduced).
With a base salary of $2.515 million, Jackson’s $928,003 worth of (initial) fines and docked pay represents nearly 37% of his salary in 2023. After such significant punishments, it’s no surprise that Jackson has requested a meeting with Goodell.
