The Week 12 game between the 49ers and Panthers reached new lows when safety Tre’Von Moehrig delivered a low blow to the Niners’ receiver Jauan Jennings. As expected, the league suspended him for one game without pay, and the player immediately appealed against his suspension. Now, the league has revealed its final stance.

The NFL and NFLPA jointly appointed Derrick Brooks as the hearing officer, who has upheld the one-game suspension for Moehrig. It means the Panthers will not have him in Week 13 against the Rams, while he will lose $65,000, one-eighteenth of his $1.17 million base salary. On the other hand, Jauan Jennings wasn’t suspended and might be fined for his revenge on Moehrig, a strike to the face after the final whistle.

In its original decision, the NFL said Moehrig violated “Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to ‘any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,’ including, among others, ‘throwing a punch, or a forearm, or kicking at an opponent.'”

Panthers head coach Dave Canales talked to his player after the game, but Moehrig did not discuss the incident. The player shed some light during his locker room interview, claiming Jauan Jennings “manifested” this by talking crazy and pushing him back after a play. However, the Panthers’ safety will get some useful time to recover from the ankle injury.

“He’ll (Moehrig) be day-to-day,” Canales said. “We’ll give you the full report of it (on) Wednesday.”

In twelve games (all starters) this season, Tre’Von Moehrig has 81 tackles (50 solo), one sack, two forced fumbles, and one interception. The Panthers will have to adjust quickly now. However, his suspension means a win for the Niners Empire, who wanted immediate action. As the video of the low blow went viral, the league was also under pressure to set an example for other players. The 49ers also praised their receiver for focusing on the game and securing the victory that they needed.

Jauan Jennings made the head coach proud with his composure

Even after Moehrig hit him in the groin area, the 49ers receiver did not immediately retaliate. In fact, he pleaded with the officials to address the actions of the Panthers’ safety. But he showed unexpected calmness until the final whistle. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was proud of his receiver’s response.

“The guy took a cheap shot and hit him in the b—-,” Shanahan said. “I was real proud of Jauan for not losing his mind out there.”

However, Jauan Jennings took shots at Moehrig during his locker room interview. He asserted dominance by claiming he was stronger than most defensive players out there and told everyone to watch the play before making any decision about his post-game hit.

“The TV is going to tell you what happened man,” Jennings said. “I was just responding, to me, some childish behavior. That’s all it was.”

Sure enough, the NFL paid close attention and deemed the low blow a proper violation, leading to the Panthers’ player’s suspension. The game was already full of rough plays with multiple interceptions. But the cheap shot and post-game made it even more interesting for the fans, anticipating a battle.

Yet, by upholding his suspension, the league has made its stance clear. It’s not going to think twice about punishments or the impact on players’ salaries when it comes to the image of sport.