The NFL has reduced Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Dashon Goldson‘s one-game suspension to a $100,000 fine.
The league released a statement Wednesday, reporting that the two-time pro-bowler won his appeal for the helmet-to-helmet hit put on another player. Goldson will now be able to play with his team when they face the New England Patriots Sunday.
Goldson was suspended Monday for the illegal hit on New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles. The league announced two days later that the penalty was reduced by Matt Birk, an independent appeals officer appointed by both the players’ union and the NFL.
“Birk is jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFL Players Association to hear and decide appeals for on-field player discipline,” the NFL’s statement said.
Goldson would have lost $265,000 for the one-game suspension.