Bears’ Wilson Suspended for a Game by NFL for Forearm Hit on Lipps

Chicago Bear linebacker Otis Wilson was suspended for one game without pay “as a result of his flagrant forearm blow to the jaw” of Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver Louis Lipps last Sunday, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle announced Tuesday.

Rozelle, who earlier Tuesday had upheld the two-game suspension of Green Bay Packer nose tackle Charles Martin for his body slam of Chicago quarterback Jim McMahon two weeks ago, said the game that Wilson must sit out will be Dec. 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Wilson decides to appeal, Rozelle said he will arrange a hearing promptly after receiving written notification.

Bear spokesman Jim Carr said that Wilson learned of the suspension Tuesday afternoon and hadn’t informed the club whether he would appeal.

“He’ll probably think it over,” Carr said, adding that the Bears might make an announcement today concerning an appeal.

“Specifically, the (videotape) review revealed that Lipps, after being in motion and following a handoff to a Pittsburgh running back, turned and headed toward Wilson as a potential blocker,” Rozelle’s statement read. “Wilson cocked his left arm and delivered a forearm blow to Lipps’ jaw, knocking him down. It was the initial contact between the two players.”

Lipps suffered a concussion and was forced to leave the game.

The statement said “though Wilson’s action went undetected by the game officials and no penalty was assessed, there is no justification for this type of dangerous action in the NFL.”

Wilson and Bear Coach Mike Ditka were furious over comments by NBC announcer Charlie Jones, who was broadcasting the game. When the incident occurred, Jones asked for a replay and then said, “Oh, no, come on, what is happening in the National Football League? “After what happened last week, he (Wilson) ought to be thrown out of the ballgame . . . immediately. That should cost him two weeks, at least.”

Jones was referring to Martin’s late hit on McMahon.