NFL comes down hard on Aqib Talib and Michael Crabtree

The fallout from the brawl started by Aqib Talib and Michael Crabtree last Sunday is starting to take shape.

The NFL will suspend Broncos’ cornerback Aqib Talib and Raiders’ wide receiver Michael Crabtree two games a piece for their actions in Sunday’s contest. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that both players will appeal their suspensions.

Talib and Crabtree were both suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness. NFL executive Jon Runyan told Talib he was suspended because he ripped off Crabtree’s chain for the second consecutive year, ripped off Crabtree’s helmet when he was on the ground and threw it in a dangerous manner, and because he later reengaged Crabtree and threw a punch.

Runyan said Crabtree was suspended for punching Chris Harris Jr. in the midsection, blocking Talib outside the field of play after the play was over, triggering a melee that endangered various personnel on the sideline and left one official injured, and grabbing and twisting Talib’s facemask and throwing a punch near the conclusion of the brawl.

Assuming the appeal is denied, Talib will be eligible to return to the team on Dec. 11. He’ll miss a road game against the Dolphins and a home game against the Jets.

With Talib suspended, the Broncos only have three cornerbacks on the roster. Lorenzo Doss was cut on Thanksgiving after he arrived late to a team meeting. Chris Harris Jr. will be the Broncos’ clear number one corner with Bradley Roby taking Talib’s spot in two-cornerback sets. Rookie Brendan Langley, who had a tough outing in his first real NFL action this weekend, will be the Broncos’ third cornerback.

*Update: 11/28, 5:30 pm*

According to Schefter, the league has reduced the suspensions for both players to one game.