Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu has won his appeal of a one-game suspension, with the NFL reducing the penalty to a $100,000 fine on Tuesday.
Luvu was initially suspended Monday for a third violation of the league’s hip-drop tackle rule, stemming from a play in Sunday’s 38–14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. However, he successfully argued his case before hearing officer Derrick Brooks, who reinstated his eligibility for this week’s matchup against the Detroit Lions.
The controversial tackle occurred midway through the first quarter when Luvu brought down Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as multiple defenders closed in. The league cited Rule 12, Section 2, Article 18, which bans defenders from swiveling and dropping their hips onto a runner’s legs — a move deemed dangerous to opponents.
Luvu, 29, had been fined earlier in the season for similar infractions in Weeks 4 and 8. Despite the penalties, he remains a key contributor to Washington’s defense, ranking third on the team with 50 tackles, along with one forced fumble, two passes defensed, and two sacks.
