Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Dashon Goldson has been suspended for one game by the NFL for violating their rules on hits to defenceless players.
Goldson was cited by the league following a late hit on New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles in his side's defeat on Sunday.
The 29-year-old will now miss his side's clash with the New England Patriots.
NFL vice-president of football operations Merton Hanks wrote in a letter to Goldson: "You had an unobstructed path to your opponent. It is clear that you lowered your head and unnecessarily rammed the left side of your helmet into the left side of your opponent's head.
"You delivered a forceful blow with your helmet and made no attempt whatsoever to wrap up your opponent or make a conventional tackle on the play."
Goldson will be suspended without pay until September 23.
