Former Auburn and current Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Derick Hall has been handed a one-game suspension without pay. His appeal was rejected, ruling him ineligible to compete at all. The suspension originated from a fight on the sideline during Seattle’s Week 1 win against the Los Angeles Rams. Long-time state hearing officer Ramon Foster headed Hall’s appeal. His appointment was a joint one by the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
The initial appeal hearing was held on Sunday, while the NFL released a statement on Monday morning announcing that the appeal upheld Hall’s suspension. As a result of this ruling, Hall will be unable to play in Seattle’s next game, their Week 17 contest against the Carolina Panthers. He’ll be eligible to return to the team’s active roster on Monday, December 29.
In the 2023 season, Hall has notched just one sack and ten QB hits in 13 games. For one, he’s taken a remarkable leap in his overall play this season. By 2024, he was up to eight sacks and 20 quarterback hits. A vital cog in Seattle’s four-man outside linebacker rotation, Hall now averages over 30 snaps per game.
Hall’s suspension has raised a firestorm of attention. This one incident has a trickling impact, not only on him but on the team as they prepare to head into what should be their last few competitive matches of 2023.
Sean McVay, head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, commented on Hall’s situation, noting, “I think he was injured before, but it certainly didn’t help the matter.” He added, “It was definitely not stuff we want in our game.”
In 2023, the Seahawks took Hall with their second-round pick. He has arguably become the most important member of the team’s vastly improved defense ever since. His absence in the crucial late-season matchup against Carolina may affect Seattle’s playoff aspirations as they navigate through the final weeks of the regular season.
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