METAIRIE, La. -- A person familiar with the decision says the NFL will not be suspending New Orleans Saints starting defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley for his kick to the back of offensive lineman Alex Boone's helmet in the final minutes of the San Francisco 49ers' 31-21 victory Sunday.
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The person spoke to The Associated Press on Monday on condition of anonymity because the NFL has not announced any punishment yet and a fine is still possible later in the week. The decision not to suspend Bunkley means he can play when the Saints visit Atlanta on Thursday night.
Bunkley was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected with 1:05 left for kicking Boone after the Saints had blocked a field goal.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says the play was "out of character" for Bunkley.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press