Bears WR Javon Wims suspended 2 games following fight with Saints

Bears receiver Javon Wims has been suspended two games without pay following Sunday’s fight with the New Orleans Saints.

During the third quarter Sunday, Wims sucker-punched Saints safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson twice. A brawl ensued, which ended with Wims at the bottom of a pile of Saints players.

The referees ejected Wims from the game following the play.

NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan issued the suspension for a violation of an NFL rule that prohibits “striking, swinging at, or clubbing the head, neck, or face of an opponent with the wrist(s), arm(s), elbow(s), or hand(s).” The league also cited another rule that prohibits any act which is contrary to the “generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”

Wims is eligible to return to the Bears’ active roster on Nov. 17 following the team’s Nov. 16 game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Wims can appeal his suspension within three business days. Any appeal will be heard and decided by either Derrick Brooks or James Thrash, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and the NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline, according to a statement from the league.

Bears coach Matt Nagy said Monday morning that he talked with Wims, but that conversation will remain between him and Wims.

“Regardless of what went on, he knows and understands – he was apologetic – that no matter what, you can’t do what he did,” Nagy said.

The NFL Network' Tom Pelissero reported that Wims claimed Gardner-Johnson spit on him and ripped out Wims' mouthguard. The game broadcast caught a glimpse of Gardner-Johnson pulling at Wims' mouth guard earlier in the game. A possession later, Wims appeared to reach for Gardner-Johnson's mouth guard in retaliation before punching him in the helmet.

As a head coach, Nagy said he hasn’t dealt with a situation quite like this. Nagy said everything prior to Sunday had indicated Javon Wims was a ‘high-character guy.”

“That’s the part that I thought was surprising,” Nagy said Monday.

A month ago, Saints receiver Michael Thomas reportedly punched Gardner-Johnson in practice. Gardner-Johnson was also among Saints players who mocked Bears running back Tarik Cohen's height last year at Soldier Field.

Gardner-Johnson responded Sunday night by posting an Instagram story in which he wrote that Wims punches “like a female.”

The Bears seemed as surprised as anyone by Wims' reaction. Receiver Darnell Mooney said Monday that he believes Wims is a “good guy.” Bears outside linebacker Robert Quinn said there really isn’t anything for the players to do.

“We can talk to him and try to understand, but we’re not the head coach,” Quinn said Monday.