Odell Beckham Jr.’s appeal of his one-game suspension was rejected by the National Football League Wednesday, meaning the New York Giants will be without their top receiver when they take the field against the Vikings Sunday night.
Beckham was suspended by the league for “violating safety-related playing rules” in last weekend’s game against the Carolina Panthers. Beckham clashed several times with Carolina cornerback Josh Norman. Officials called four penalties against Beckham, including three personal fouls.
Beckham was not thrown out of the Carolina game, but the NFL’s vice-president of officiating later said he should have been.
Before Wednesday’s hearing on his appeal, Beckham used Twitter to apologize for his on-field behavior last week.
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) December 23, 2015
Beckham’s appeal of his suspension was heard by the NFL’s James Thrash, who was a wide receiver during his playing career.
The New York Daily News says Beckham answered no questions when he left the hearing and appeared emotional, shielding his face from cameras.
Beckham is among the NFL’s best receivers again this year and his absence Sunday night will help the Vikings’ chances of containing New York’s passing game.
But the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson expressed support for Beckham, telling the Star Tribune he does not think a suspension was warranted. Peterson told the newspaper he’d texted a message of support to Beckham, advising him to “just learn from it and keep your head up.”
