Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald presented himself as an unlikely ally for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski on Monday.
Gronkowski was suspended one game for an illegal hit delivered to Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White which rendered the rookie standout concussed. The veteran tight end was flagged for unnecessary roughness.
Although some argued Gronkowski got off easy, Fitzgerald conversely felt the punishment was too harsh.
"I don't particularly like the suspension. I don't like when the actions of one player affects his team. Taking him off the field for a complete game is going to really hurt the Patriots. I thought he definitely should have been fined heavily. Those kind of plays really don't have a place in our game. I think the NFL has done a great job of emphasizing that over the last few years. I don't agree with the one-game suspension though," Fitzgerald said on Westwood One Radio, via ESPN's Mike Reiss.
Gronkowski expressed remorse following Sunday's game but noted he was frustrated with the officiating.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick apologized immediately to Bills counterpart Sean McDermott for his star's actions.
New England is cruising through the AFC at 10-2 but will certainly miss one of its most potent weapons against the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 11.
