Crabtree, Talib suspended 2 games for unsportsmanlike conduct

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree and Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib have been suspended two games each for unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness violations.

Both players are appealing their suspensions, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. The appeals will be heard by either Derrick Brooks or James Thrash.

Crabtree punched Broncos cornerback Chris Harris in the stomach, then fought with Talib on the next play. It was the second time both players have engaged in conflict, and for the second consecutive year Talib snatched Crabtree's chain.

NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan wrote the following:

The series of flagrant violations for which you are being disciplined began with 12:31 remaining in the first quarter - less than three minutes into the game. First, you punched a Broncos opponent Chris Harris in the midsection, resulting in him being removed from the game. Then, on the subsequent play, you blocked a different Broncos opponent (Aqib Talib) into the sidelines beyond the yellow media border, well after the play was over. Your actions triggered a melee and endangered various sideline and league personnel, including one of our Game Officials who was injured trying to maintain control of the situation. Finally, during the ensuing altercation, you grabbed and twisted that same opponent's facemask and threw a punch at him ... Such actions have no place in this game, engender ill will between teams, and lead to further confrontations.

Below is the incident in question:

Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio chimed in on Twitter to address the punishment, pointing out that A.J. Green did not receive a suspension for his fight with Jalen Ramsey despite being ejected from the game.