Titans safety Michael Griffin has been suspended one game for repeated illegal hits on defenseless players. While the suspension may still be overturned on appeal, Griffin expressed regret for the outcome.
“All I can say is I apologize to the Titans fans, my teammates and the organization,” Griffin told Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean via text message. “I also hope Rivera is doing well and I apologize to [Rivera] and his family. I was trying to do my job but in the end I hurt the team.”
If the suspension stands, Griffin will lose $205,882.35 in base salary.
Griffin has the right to appeal the suspension, with the issue resolved by Ted Cottrell or Matt Birk handling the matter.
After applying a Sammie-White-in-the-Super-Bowl hit to Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera on Sunday, Griffin was ready for at least a fine.
At the end of the day, as a defensive player in a situation, damned if you do, damned if you don’t,” Griffin said. “You look at it, he catches the ball, first down, they’re right there in scoring position. You knock the ball loose, they’re still right there in scoring position. More than likely I’m going to see a fine from the Commissioner, and I’ve just got to go from there and continue to play football.”
If the suspension stands, Griffin won’t be playing football on Sunday.
UPDATE 5:14 p.m. ET: Per a league source, Griffin will indeed appeal his suspension.
