Break out the checkbooks. The league today has announced fines for various player offenses in wake of their new policy to crack down on dangerous hits.
I’ll start with the Titans. Two of their defensive ends, Dave Ball and William Hayes, were issued fines. Ball was docked $5,000 for roughing the passer in their win against the Jaguars last Monday night. Hayes will lose $10,000 due to a hit that was deemed a violation. Tennessee’s collective fine total is up to a ridiculous $77,500.
“I’m trying to figure out what it was about,’’ Hayes said. “I guess you can’t run and tackle no more. I got fined for running to the ball and tackling. I talked to my coach and he felt the same way. Next time I’ll just fall at the line of scrimmage and they’ll probably get me for a clipping call or some (expletive).’’
- Saints cornerback Malcolm Jenkins was issued a $10,000 fine for unnecessary roughness after he hit an opposing player in the head area.
- San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson drew a $5,000 fine for using an open-handed swipe on Raiders wide receiver Louis Murphy.
- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb made a horse-collar tackle in last Sunday’s game and that will cost him $5,000 in fines.
- Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards and wide receiver Bernard Berrian were fined $20,000 and $5,000, respectively. Edwards’ offense was spearing Cowboys running back Marion Barber, while Berrian hit a Cowboys player late and was called for unnecessary roughness.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, I just want to say that this is getting a little ridiculous now. As a hardcore fan of the game, I’m all for player safety and the appropriate rules but these fines are going overboard. There’s a reason why people like (Steelers linebacker) James Harrison and (ESPN analyst) Mark Schlereth are lambasting the NFL over the new rule changes. Soon enough hitting altogether will be outlawed and two-hand touch will be enforced.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Harrison should just have a blank check made out to the N.F.L. It’s a shame that there picking on him.He’s just playing his style of football.These men knew what they were signing onto when they decided to play the game.There not a bunch of pussies,let them play,DAMN IT !!
When is the league going to issue dresses to all of the QB’s? Helmet to helmit hits by the defense should only be fined if intential. If you saw the Bear vs Jets game, the Jets QB should hsave been sacked but no call, where is the protection of the QB? So whats all the fuss about? This is football. And what about the Philly game being cancelled. This is football remember. Tough if the fans can’t get to the game. Somehow they would have gotten their because the game was later that day with enough time to arrive.
Now what about the 18 game schedule? If approved, football would end at the begining of February!
Again the Pro Bowl is before the Super Bowl! The NFL( National Forgotten League) needs to change their thinking and use common sense.