Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;  New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khristian Boyd (97) heads to the locker room after the game against the Carolina Panthers at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Reports: Saints rookie fined $4,600 for hit on Eagles WR DeVonta Smith

New Orleans Saints rookie defensive tackle Khristian Boyd was fined $4,600 by the NFL for his hit on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith, multiple media outlets reported.

Per the NFL, a hit on a defenseless player can draw a fine up to $16,883 for first-time offenders. The league’s collective bargaining agreement, however, details that “no first offense may result in the imposition of a baseline fine in excess of 10 percent of a player’s salary cap count for the game.” Boyd’s salary cap hit this season is $839,707, per Spotrac.

Boyd was not penalized for the blindside hit on Smith in the fourth quarter of the Saints’ 15-12 loss to the Eagles on Sunday. Smith was knocked out by the hit and did not return to the game.

Smith, who remains in concussion protocol, did not participate in practice on Wednesday or Thursday and appears unlikely to play for Philadelphia (2-1) in its game on Sunday against the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1).

Several Eagles players took issue with the hit. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson labeled it a “cheap shot.”

Boyd defended himself in an Instagram post that was later deleted: “I would never deliberately try to give someone a serious injury. Just tried to make a play on the ball. Get well soon 6.”

Boyd, 24, has recorded one tackle in three games this season.

–Field Level Media

Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) scores a touchdown against Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Ravens TE Isaiah Likely talks the talk, could draw fine

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely flashed star power in the season-opening loss at Kansas City, a 27-20 setback that ended with Likely’s would-be second TD catch being waved off when the toes of his black cleat landed out of the end zone.

Likely caught nine passes for 111 yards but his 10th catch was nullified when he landed out of bounds. The NFL’s leading receiver when he woke up on Friday, Likely warned the Chiefs that their collective best is yet to come.

“This is the worst we are going to play, so if this is the best they got, good luck in the postseason,” Lively said to the Ravens’ AFC rivals.

Likely, 24, might be hearing from the NFL during the extended break before the Sept. 15 home opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. When he exited the field at Arrowhead Stadium and entered the covered tunnel on Thursday night, cameras and microphones picked up Likely screaming a few choice expletives at a fan.

According to NFL Operations, fines can be levied if players fail to “conduct themselves in a way that honors the sport and respects the game, themselves, their fellow players, the fans and the league.”

Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson was fined by the team last November for shoving an Eagles’ fan during a loss at Philadelphia despite claiming he was subject to a “life-threatening” remark.

Likely was expected to play second fiddle to Mark Andrews but after playing a larger role in the latter’s absence due to injury in 2023, he led the team with 12 targets as a receiver and delivered a highlight-worthy pancake block that drew a smile from coach John Harbaugh.

“I thought it was a touchdown,” quarterback Lamar Jackson said. “I still think it’s a touchdown.”

NFL replay is automatic after touchdowns and multiple replays caught Likely landing on the white paint separating the end zone from out of bounds.

Likely said he has to “live with the call” and took responsibility for not getting his feet down.

He also caught some unsolicited footwear advice from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“(You) just have to wear white cleats next time. That’s my advice for him,” Mahomes said.

–Field Level Media

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) in the first half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs’ Nick Bolton fined for Super Bowl horse-collar tackle

The NFL fined Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton $8,238 for his horse-collar tackle of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy in Super Bowl LVIII.

The incident drew a 15-yard penalty in the second quarter of the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory in Las Vegas on Feb. 11.

Bolton’s fine, confirmed on Monday, was the only one issued for an infraction committed in that game. Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed drew a personal foul for unnecessary roughness but was not fined.

Bolton, 23, tied San Francisco’s Fred Warner for the game-high with 13 tackles. Bolton added one tackle for loss and two quarterback hits against the 49ers.

A second-round pick by the Chiefs in 2021, Bolton has recorded 352 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions in 41 career regular-season games (37 starts).

–Field Level Media

Oct 21, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte FC owner David Tepper reacts after their win against Inter Miami CF Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers owner David Tepper fined $300K for throwing drink at fans

The NFL announced a $300,000 fine for Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper for what it called “unacceptable conduct” during the Panthers’ 26-0 loss at the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

A video captured Tepper throwing a drink through the owner’s box window in the direction of Jaguars fans toward the end of the Panthers’ 14th loss of the season.

“All NFL personnel are expected to conduct themselves at all times in ways that respect our fans and favorably reflect on their team and the NFL,” the league said in a statement Tuesday.

Tepper issued his first comments about the incident after the fine was announced.

“I am deeply passionate about this team and regret my behavior on Sunday,” Tepper’s statement said. “I should have let NFL stadium security handle any issues that arose. I respect the NFL’s code of conduct and accept the league’s discipline for my behavior.”

Tepper, 66, purchased the Panthers from Jerry Richardson in 2018.

The Panthers (2-14) own the worst record in the league entering the final week of the regular season, but the Chicago Bears own their first-round draft pick in April after Carolina traded with Chicago to move from ninth to No. 1 last April and select quarterback Bryce Young.

Tepper fired coach Frank Reich 11 games into his first season on the job.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles (72) holds Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Myles Garrett fined $25K for criticizing officials

The NFL fined Browns defensive end Myles Garrett $25,000 for comments he made criticizing officials, Cleveland.com reported Saturday.

Following last Sunday’s 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Garrett didn’t hold back when talking with reporters after the game.

“The officiating was a travesty today,” Garrett said. “It was honestly awful. And the fact that they’re letting them get away with hands to the face, holding, false starting — I know they called a couple, but damn, they could have called it all game. And (there was) the one that cost us down on the 2-yard line.”

The Browns were penalized eight times for 75 yards. Officials flagged the Jaguars seven times for 40 yards.

“I mean, respect to those guys, it’s a hard job, but hell, we have a hard job as well,” Garrett said of the officials. “You can’t make it harder by throwing holding and hands to the face out (of) the rulebook. And like I said, I got a lot of respect for those guys, but we get scrutinized for the plays that we don’t make. So someone has to hold them accountable for the plays or the calls they don’t make. And they need to be under the same kind of microscope as we are every single play.”

Garrett, 27, is in his seventh NFL season, all with the Browns. He twice has been named first-team All-Pro.

–Field Level Media

Oct 15, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) warms up before a game New York Giants at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Bills fine DE Shaq Lawson for Philly fan interaction

The Buffalo Bills are fining defensive end Shaq Lawson an undisclosed amount for his interaction with a fan in Philadelphia last month, NFL Network reported Friday.

Lawson issued an apology following the incident that occurred during the Bills’ 37-34 loss to the Eagles in overtime on Nov. 26.

A video circulated on social media of Lawson approaching a spectator behind the Buffalo bench, exchanging words and then shoving the fan.

Lawson said the fan began heckling players before the game started and was allowed to remain in his seat even after Bills officials asked security to remove him.

“Eventually our emotions boiled over and I made a mistake,” Lawson wrote the next day on Instagram. “For that, I apologize, but there are certain lines that should not be crossed.

“I love the crowd. I love rowdy fans. It makes the game fun. But one thing I’m not going to tolerate is someone threatening me or my family. This is a line that shouldn’t be crossed.”

Lawson, 29, has recorded one sack and 10 tackles in 11 games this season. He has 26 sacks in 104 games (37 starts) with the Bills (2016-19, 2022-present), Miami Dolphins (2020) and New York Jets (2021).

–Field Level Media

Nov 2, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) makes the game winning touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Steelers’ Diontae Johnson fined $25K for criticizing officials

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson was fined $25,000 by the NFL for his criticism of officials following his team’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pro Football Talk reported Sunday.

“Refs were just killing us the whole game,” Johnson said following the Steelers’ 20-10 loss to the Jaguars on Oct. 29, per ESPN. “… I didn’t like the refs today. They must’ve got paid good today or something, but they blew — that field goal, that hurt us coming into the half. We needed that.”

Johnson was referring to an offside call that negated Chris Boswell’s 56-yard field goal. Boswell missed the ensuing 61-yard attempt.

Johnson, 27, had eight catches for 85 yards in that game versus Jacksonville. He added seven receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown in Pittsburgh’s 20-16 win over the Tennessee Titans on Thursday, boosting his season totals to 23 grabs for 302 yards and one touchdown in five games.

A Pro Bowl selection in 2021, Johnson has 363 catches for 3,948 yards and 21 touchdowns in 69 games (60 starts) since the Steelers drafted him in the third round in 2019.

–Field Level Media

Oct 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) gestures with fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Report: George Kittle fined for vulgar anti-Cowboys shirt

The NFL fined San Francisco tight end George Kittle for wearing a vulgar T-shirt under his jersey last Sunday night, ESPN reported Friday.

In the fourth quarter of the 49ers’ 42-10 win against the Cowboys, Kittle raised his red No. 85 jersey to reveal a grey shirt with the words “F— Dallas” in blue letters.

Kittle, who said he expected to be fined, will reportedly have to cough up $13,659 for his use of abusive language — or $4,553 for each of the three touchdowns he scored against Dallas.

“I wore a personalized T-shirt, maybe an inappropriate word,” Kittle told reporters Thursday. “So it is what it is. It was a decision I made. If they want to fine me, they fine me.”

Kittle, who turned 30 on Monday, scored his first three touchdowns of the season against the Cowboys, finishing the lopsided win with 67 yards.

The four-time Pro Bowl selection has 412 catches for 5,469 yards and 34 touchdowns in 87 games (79 starts) since the 49ers drafted him in the fifth round in 2017.

–Field Level Media

Feb 2, 2022; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Commanders co-owner Dan Snyder speaks as co-owner Tanya Snyder (L) listens during a press conference revealing the Commanders as the new name for the formerly named Washington Football Team at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Snyder to pay $60 million in wake of Mary Jo White findings

Dan Snyder will pay the NFL $60 million in fines after an investigation by Mary Jo White found he was complicit in both sexual misconduct and financial improprieties during his time as owner of the Washington Commanders.

The findings of White’s investigation, which began in February 2022, were released Thursday afternoon shortly after NFL team owners approved the $6.05 billion sale of the Commanders to billionaire Josh Harris with a unanimous 32-0 vote.

“We appreciate the diligence, thoroughness and professionalism of Ms. White and her team throughout this process,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “We pledged to share her findings publicly and are doing so today.”

White, the former chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, found evidence that Snyder sexually harassed a former Commanders team employee, Tiffani Johnston. The former cheerleader and marketing manager testified to Congress last year that Snyder put his hand on her thigh and pushed her toward his limo at a work-related dinner.

The league expanded the scope of White’s investigation beyond harassment and workplace culture to financial improprieties in April 2022. A former sales executive for Washington, Jason Friedman, told Congress that Snyder had the team withhold its true amount of shareable revenue meant to be split with other teams.

White’s investigation found that $11 million in revenue was “improperly shielded” from other teams and a “significant portion” of another $44 million in revenue was illicitly moved from shareable to non-shareable accounts.

White’s team interviewed Snyder remotely on June 29 after the unpopular team owner previously declined to be interviewed, the Washington Post reported.

White delivered her findings to team owners Thursday at a hotel in Bloomington, Minn., where the owners met to vote in Harris.

The principal owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils led an investment group that bought the Commanders for a record $6.05 billion.

–Field Level Media

Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson appealing Super Bowl fine

Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson will appeal his fine from Super Bowl LVII, his agent told NFL Network on Friday.

The NFL fined Gardner-Johnson $14,111 for lowering his head to initiate contact with the helmet of Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco.

Gardner-Johnson, 25, was not flagged on the play that occurred in the fourth quarter of Philadelphia’s 38-35 loss to Kansas City on Sunday in Glendale, Ariz.

Kevin Conner of Universal Sports & Entertainment Management confirmed the fine and the plan to appeal.

Gardner-Johnson shared the NFL lead with six interceptions in his first season with the Eagles in 2022, adding 67 tackles and one sack in 12 games (all starts).

He spent his first three seasons with New Orleans and has 11 interceptions, four sacks and 228 tackles in 55 career games (43 starts) with the Saints and Eagles.

–Field Level Media