Vikings Say Rookie Smith Won't Be Punished More
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings strong safety Harrison Smith won't be punished further for his shove of an official that drew a 15-yard penalty and automatic ejection from Sunday's game against Tennessee.
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said Monday the team was told by the NFL that Smith won't be fined or suspended. The rookie was pulled away from a tussle with some Titans players by back judge Steve Freeman in the second quarter, when he pushed Freeman aside.
Smith apologized after the game for what he called an "unacceptable" action and for even trying to return to the scrum in the first place. The Vikings won 30-7.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said Smith's disqualification from the majority of the game was a "significant penalty."
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