Sources: Vikings Safety Andrew Sendejo Suspended One Game For Hit On Ravens WR Mike Wallace
Minnesota Vikings safety Andrew Sendejo suspended for one game for violating player safety rules.
The Fumble That Wasn’t
During Sunday’s game against the Ravens, Vikings safety Andrew Sendejo leveled Baltimore wide receiver Mike Wallace as he ran across the middle of the field. The hit by Sendejo, teamed with a swipe at the ball by Xavier Rhodes resulted in a fumble by Wallace, which the Vikings recovered.
However, the referees deemed the hit illegal (unnecessary roughness) and the result of the play was a Baltimore first down. The penalty apparently negated the turnover. Today, the league took the controversial ruling a step further. One day after Sendejo laid the big hit on Wallace, the league released this statement:
Andrew Sendejo of the Vikings has been suspended without pay for 1 game for violation of safety-related playing rules pic.twitter.com/u7FhCuV0kP
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) October 23, 2017
VT’s Jordan Reid’s Twitter feed has video of the play.
Andrew "The White Torpedo" Sendejo. He has no regard for his surroundings. Whether that's his opponent or his own teammates. pic.twitter.com/gqgXuRHLOf
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) October 23, 2017
When asked about his thoughts on the play and call, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer responded, “I think the receiver took five steps… [Sendejo] hit him with a glancing blow.” Zimmer also said during today’s press conference he will send tape of the play to the league office.
According to Ian Rappaport, Sendejo will appeal his suspension. Should Sendejo lose his appeal it would be the second of three games the safety has missed. Anthony Harris started in place of Sendejo when he missed the Week 6 game against Green Bay with a groin injury. The Vikings face the Cleveland Browns in London on Sunday.