Jets S Smith appeals suspension

Oct 6, 2008 - 7:11 PM FLORHAM PARK, New Jersey (Ticker) -- New York Jets safety Eric Smith is appealing a one-game suspension and $50,000 fine by the NFL for his hit on Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

Jets coach Eric Mangini made the announcement on Monday and said he expects to have a ruling from the league by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Smith was disciplined for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Boldin, who was in a defenseless position when contact was made in the fourth quarter of the Jets' 56-35 victory on September 28.

The injury occurred with 27 seconds remaining in the contest.

If the appeal is unsuccessful, Smith will serve his suspension against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The team had a bye this past weekend.

Boldin underwent surgery last Thursday to repair a sinus fracture. The injury forced him to miss the team's game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

On September 17, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement saying that hits endangering the safety of players no longer would be tolerated.

"Any conduct that unnecessarily risks the safety of other players has no role in the game of football and will be disciplined at increased levels, including first offenses," Goodell said.