Big Blue kicker banned for opener
The Giants will be without their Pro Bowl kicker for the Sept. 11 seasonopener against the Dallas Cowboys, with Josh Brown suspended for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The Giants and the league didn’t give a reason for the suspension, but Brown was arrested in May 2015 on a domestic violence charge, according to NJ.com. The league’s personal conduct policy allows for suspension of players, even if they’re found not guilty of criminal charges or if charges are dismissed.
“While I do not agree with the suspension, I will accept it. I have exhausted the appeals process and have no other options along those lines,’’ Brown, 37, said in a statement. “I will continue to work hard for this team, and I have tremendous confidence in my teammates and in my ability to move on and contribute to the team.”
Neither the Giants nor Brown’s agent had any comment. But NJ.com cited a police report that showed Brown was arrested at 3:20 p.m. on May 22, 2015 in Woodinville, Wa., by King County sheriff ’s officers on a charge of fourth-degree domestic violence, a misdemeanor.
According to the police report, Brown grabbed the victim’s wrist while the victim was picking up a phone. The victim proceeded to call 911, and alleged an assault. Brown was arrested at an address that public records show he shares with his wife. He was booked into the county jail and released on $2,000 bond.
The status of the charge is unclear.
Brown made 30 of his 32 field goal attempts — and 44 of his 45 extra-point tries — last season to earn his first Pro Bowl berth and a two-year, $4 million deal. His backup, Tom Obarski, has never attempted a field goal or PAT in the league.
“We have been supportive of Josh and will continue to be, but we accept the league’s decision,” Giants coach Ben McAdoo said in the statement.
Brown — who was suspended without pay — can still practice and play in the preseason.