Chain fighters hit with 2-game bans as new details emerge

Raiders receiver Michael Crabtree and Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib have been suspended two games each without pay for fighting.

NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan announced the suspensions Monday, a day after the two players brawled during Oakland’s 21-14 victory. Each player has appealed his suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness.

The fight was a continuation of a dispute that started last season when Talib ripped Crabtree’s chain off during the season finale. Crabtree missed the first game between the teams this year but went after Talib early in this latest game.

“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,” Runyan said in his letter to Crabtree. “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.”

Talib once again ripped Crabtree’s chain off his neck. He also took Crabtree’s helmet off and threw it, as well as exchanging punches with Crabtree.

“You deliberately ripped your opponent’s chain from his neck just as you did last year when you played against him,” Runyan wrote in his letter to Talib. “Then, when the two of you went to the ground after a subsequent play, you aggressively removed his helmet and threw it in his direction, endangering him and various sideline personnel in the near vicinity. Finally, once you were momentarily separated from your opponent, you again engaged him and threw a punch.”

Crabtree went so far as to tape his chain to his chest before the game in Oakland, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday, but Talib managed to rip it off anyway.

The Giants could be facing a depleted Raiders receiving corps when they travel to Oakland on Sunday, if Crabtree’s suspension is upheld and Amari Cooper stays sidelined with a concussion and a sprained ankle. Crabtree is tied with Cooper for the team lead with 42 catches and has 502 yards receiving and a team-high six touchdowns.

— with AP