Ed Reed’s one-game suspension reduced to $50,000 fine

The one-game suspension of Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed has been reduced on appeal to a $50,000 fine, meaning he is eligible to play in Sunday’s game at San Diego.

Reed’s penalty was reduced by Ted Cottrell, the hearing officer jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Assn. to hear and decide appeals for on-field player discipline.

Reed was originally suspended for a helmet-to-helmet hit on defenseless Pittsburgh receiver Emmanuel Sanders on Sunday night, the safety’s third such violation in three seasons.

The hearing was held by telephone Tuesday morning, with Cottrell issuing his decision in the afternoon.

In a letter to Reed, Cottrell said, “I have determined that your actions were egregious and warrant significant discipline. However, I do not believe that your actions were so egregious as to subject you to a one-game suspension without pay.

“Player safety is the league’s primary concern in the formation of playing rules and all players are expected to adhere to those rules or face disciplinary action. I hope in the future you will focus on ensuring that your play conforms to the rules.”

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