"The NFL will have the final say on Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson's controversial hit Sunday on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson. There was some dispute Monday as to whether the collision, which drew a personal foul penalty, will also attract a fine or a suspension. Ray Anderson, the league's executive vice president of football operations, told the Associated Press that players may face suspensions for dangerous helmet-to-helmet hits. Fox analyst Mike Pereira, the NFL's vice president of officiating from 2004-'09, believes that Robinson was put in a tough spot. "Robinson didn't launch, but he did lower his head and made contact on what appeared to be on the shoulder," Pereira wrote on the website FoxSports.com. "Jackson is considered defenseless as the pass was incomplete and as a defender, Robinson is not allowed to lower his head and contact Jackson anywhere on his body." Pereira characterized Robinson's hit and five others around the league as "cheap shots." However, NFL Network's Deion Sanders thought Robinson's shot was legitimate. "He led with his shoulders first," Sanders said. "The referees got all bent out of shape and threw the flag. ... This is truly a clean hit." On the second play of the second quarter, the Falcons' Jonathan Babineaux and Kroy Biermann flushed Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb out to his left and his pass to Jackson fluttered outs after he was hit. As Jackson tried to catch the pass, Robinson rushed in from the boundary side to break up the play, his helmet appearing to strike Jackson first in the chest and chin. The collision left both players sprawled out on the field and after a stoppage in play, both had to be helped to their respective locker rooms. Both were also subsequently diagnosed with concussions." http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/nfl-may-start-suspending-685010.html
