Tag: fines

Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes fight following the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Michigan won 13-10.

Report: Michigan, Ohio State fined $100K each for postgame scuffle

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan and Ohio State were reportedly fined $100,000 apiece by the Big Ten Conference on Sunday, resulting from the teams’ postgame brawl in Columbus, Ohio, the day before.

The conference doesn’t plan to suspend players, nor do the schools, according to a report from ESPN.

The melee ensued when Michigan players were preparing to plant their school flag at midfield after taking down heavily favored No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 with a last-minute field goal on Saturday. Buckeyes players raced from the south end zone, where they were singing their alma mater in front of the student section.

The Big Ten said in a statement that it “considers this matter concluded,” according to the report. The conference stated that the brawl not only violated “fundamental elements of sportsmanship,” but it “also jeopardized the safety of participants and bystanders.”

A statement from Ohio State called the fight, which lasted about five minutes, “unfortunate.”

“Good sportsmanship is always important in everything we do at Ohio State. Moving forward, we will continue to examine and address our post-game protocols to ensure our student-athletes, coaches, visiting teams and staff safely exit the field,” the school’s statement said.

The Buckeyes (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten) won’t play in the Big Ten championship game and fell out of contention for a bye that is awarded to the four highest-ranked conference champions in the 12-team playoff.

Despite likely dropping in the next College Football Playoff rankings, Ohio State should still receive an at-large bid in the final bracket reveal on Dec. 8.

The Wolverines (7-5, 5-4), who beat Ohio State for the fourth straight time, await a bowl game bid.

–Field Level media

Vanderbilt fans celebrates after knocking off the Alabama Crimson Tide 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.

SEC fines Arkansas, Vanderbilt for field storming

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The Southeastern Conference announced on Sunday that it will fine both Vanderbilt University and the University of Arkansas for “violations of the league’s access to competition area policy,” or in layman’s terms, for not preventing fans from storming the field Saturday.

Vanderbilt (3-2, 1-1 SEC) scored the biggest upset in school history, taking down a No. 1 team in Alabama for the first time ever, 40-35. Meanwhile, Arkansas (4-2, 2-1) also recorded a top-five upset (its first in 15 years) by defeating then-No. 4 Tennessee 19-14 in Fayetteville, Ark.

In the wake of both upsets, as is customary in big wins, fans charged the field to celebrate with their teams. In Vanderbilt’s case, the fans took down the goalpost and carried it out of the stadium, eventually depositing it in the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville.

After fans took to the field in Arkansas, Volunteers defensive lineman Omari Thomas was attempting to exit but was seen on video shoving a male fan into a female and both fell to the ground.

Thomas apologized on Sunday.

“I apologize for my actions during the chaotic postgame scene,” Thomas wrote on social media. “Even though we got run into multiple times by fans while trying to exit the field, that doesn’t condone my actions or define my character. I sincerely apologize. I wish Arkansas and their fans all the best.”

Per policy that was revised in 2023, Vanderbilt received a fine of $100,000 as a first-time offender. Arkansas was levied a $250,000 penalty for its second offense. The Razorbacks’ first offense was last November during men’s basketball season when fans stormed the court following an 80-75 victory over No. 9 Duke.

For conference games, the fines are paid to the opposing institutions.

Alabama dropped to No. 7 after the loss. Tennessee fell to No. 8.

–Field Level Media

Dec 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) runs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

NFL fines Falcons for violating injury report policy

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The NFL fined the Atlanta Falcons $75,000 and head coach Arthur Smith $25,000 on Friday for violating the injury report policy earlier this season.

The violation involved running back Bijan Robinson and his undisclosed illness prior to a Week 7 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 22, a game the visiting Falcons won 16-13.

Smith and the Falcons should have added Robinson to the injury report with the illness. The rookie first-round pick had just one carry for 3 yards and played only 11 snaps in that game.

Robinson, 21, has rushed for 801 yards and four touchdowns and added 41 receptions for 323 yards and three TDs in 14 games (13 starts).

–Field Level Media

Nov 20, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Injured New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan walks off the field with quarterback Jameis Winston (2) at the end of their game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Saints’ Cameron Jordan, Bengals’ Jessie Bates III fined

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The NFL apparently didn’t take too kindly to a pair of players allegedly attempting to fake injuries during their Week 13 games.

Multiple media outlets reported Saturday that the league fined the New Orleans Saints $350,000, head coach Dennis Allen $100,000 and defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen and defensive end Cameron Jordan $50,000 for their respective roles during a delay in Monday’s 17-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The NFL also docked Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III $50,000 for allegedly faking an injury during his team’s 27-24 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Per ESPN, all parties will appeal their fines.

Jordan, 33, opted to take a knee and pointed to his lower leg to force a stoppage in play midway into the fourth quarter. The stoppage came as the Buccaneers appeared poised to run an offensive play on fourth down. Tampa Bay, instead, elected to punt once play resumed.

Jordan vented on social media Saturday after receiving his fine.

“Are fines made by nfl open to public? I just feel like this should be public knowledge. ‘Cause some of the fines are silly but this 1… ridiculous. Anyways & for what a “deliberate action to delay game” before a (team) punts?”

Bates, 25, was spotted falling to the ground without contact as two Bengals defenders rushed onto the field while the Chiefs came to the line of scrimmage. Bates missed one snap before returning to action.

The fines come one week after the NFL sent all 32 clubs a memo that emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the game. The memo also listed the minimum fines of $350,000 for clubs, $100,000 for a head coach, and $50,000 for players/assistant coaches for violating the rule.

–Field Level Media

Dec 6, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley warms up before a game against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Bills WR Cole Beasley racks up $100K in fines over COVID violations

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley has accumulated about $100,000 in fines for violating the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols this season, ESPN reported Sunday.

One of the fines, for $14,600, was assessed in August when NFL officials were at the Bills’ training facility and spotted Beasley not wearing a mask.

Beasley, 32, has been outspoken in his views on the COVID-19 vaccination and is unvaccinated. He tested positive for the virus on Tuesday and must be away from the team at least 10 days.

As a result, he isn’t playing in Sunday’s key AFC East game between the Bills (8-5) and host New England Patriots (9-6).

Beasley won’t lose money for this game, though. Under rules agreed to between the league and the players association, unvaccinated players are not penalized their game check if they miss a game because of a positive COVID-19 test.

He is in the third season of a four-year, $29 million deal he signed with Buffalo in March 2019.

Beasley has 76 receptions, second on the team to Stefon Diggs, for 640 yards and a touchdown this season. He has 544 career catches for 5,656 yards and 34 touchdowns in 147 games with the Dallas Cowboys (2012-18) and Bills.

–Field Level Media

Aug 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (19) runs with the ball against Chicago Bears defensive back Marqui Christian (43) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Bills receivers fined nearly $15K for mask violations

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie said Thursday that the NFL fined him nearly $15,000 for violating the rules about wearing masks for non-vaccinated players.

McKenzie and fellow Bills receiver Cole Beasley, who said he was also fined, are subject to additional discipline for repeat violations, NFL Network reported.

McKenzie posted the letter he received from the league on Twitter.

“They got me! @NFL you win!” McKenzie wrote.

“$14,650 damn (prayer hands emoji) Pray for me,” he also posted.

The letter says McKenzie failed to wear a mask at least twice on Wednesday, once while walking through the indoor fieldhouse and into the training room and again while in the meeting area of the weight room.

Potential discipline could stretch up to a four-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team under the repeat offenders provision in the NFL’s COVID-19 policy agreed upon by the NFLPA.

Beasley, who has been vocal in his anti-vaccine stance, did not disclose the amount of his fine. NFL Network reported it was for the same $14,650.

“Don’t worry they got me too. But I was wearing a mask when I was in close contact with fully vaxxed trainer who tested positive and still got sent home. So what’s the point of the mask anyways. Meanwhile I’m here still testing negative and can’t come back. Make it make sense.”

The letter from the NFL states that McKenzie received a written warning on July 27 for “refusing to wear a mask and were specifically advised that ‘future violations of the Protocols will result in increased discipline, including for conduct detrimental.’”

After a member of the Bills training staff, who was vaccinated, tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, four Bills players were identified as close contacts and are required to sit out five days. McKenzie was not one of those players. Beasley, receiver Gabriel Davis and defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Vernon Butler were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

–Field Level Media

Jaguars Head Coach Urban Meyer claps as his players transition between drills on the practice fields outside TIAA Bank Field during the Jacksonville Jaguars mandatory veterans minicamp session Monday morning, June 14, 2021. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union] Jki 061421 Jaguarsveterans 1

Reports: 49ers, Cowboys, Jags dinged for OTA violations

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The Jacksonville Jaguars were fined $200,000 and the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys were each fined $100,000 for violating NFL rules about organized team activities, ESPN and NFL Network reported Thursday.

New Jaguars coach Urban Meyer was fined $100,000 while 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy were levied $50,000 fines. In addition, according to the reports, each team had to forfeit a certain amount of OTA practice time, either this year or for 2022.

The precise violations were not made public.

The Jaguars released a statement saying that the club is “vigilant about practicing within the (Collective Bargaining Agreement) rules and will re-emphasize offseason training rules as they relate to contact. We are looking forward to the start of training camp later this month.”

OTAs are held during the offseason and are typically run at a lower speed and intensity. Players are only allowed to wear helmets, shorts and jerseys — no pads — in accordance with the CBA.

–Field Level Media

Nov 22, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Raiders S Abram appealing $80K in fines

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Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram is appealing $80,000 in fines for two hits against the Atlanta Falcons, NFL Network reported Saturday.

Neither of the hits was penalized during the Raiders’ 43-6 loss in Atlanta in Week 12.

One hit came during a tackle of Falcons running back Ito Smith in the backfield, and the other was a hit on wide receiver Russell Gage along the sideline. The NFL reviewed both plays and determined Abram lowered his helmet to initiate contact.

The fines totaled more than the roughly $60,000 Abram earns per game in base salary, per the report.

Abram, 24, has 63 tackles, five passes defensed and two interceptions in 10 starts this season. He missed last weekend’s 31-28 win against the New York Jets with a knee injury and is questionable for Sunday’s game against the visiting Indianapolis Colts.

A first-round pick (27th overall) in 2019, Abram tore his rotator cuff in the 2019 season opener and missed the rest of his rookie season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 10, 2019; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Carolina Panthers helmet sits on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Panthers fining players who broke virus rules

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The Carolina Panthers are fining players who broke COVID-19 protocol rules during their bye week at least $10,000, ESPN reported Saturday.

The team placed eight players on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday: wide receivers D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel, defensive tackles Derrick Brown and Zach Kerr, linebacker Shaq Thompson, tackle Greg Little, punter Michael Palardy and practice squad wideout Ishmael Hyman.

Some of those players reportedly gathered outside of the team facility, contrary to NFL and NFLPA protocols.

Six of the players have been activated and are set to play Sunday when the Panthers (4-8) host the Denver Broncos (4-8). Moore and Kerr remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Carolina is not the first team to issue fines over coronavirus concerns.

Last week, Broncos coach Vic Fangio said all four of the team’s quarterbacks would be fined for not wearing masks at the team facility. That protocol violation left Denver without a quarterback for its Week 12 loss against the New Orleans Saints.

–Field Level Media

Nov 15, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton prior to kickoff against the San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Saints fined $500K for Week 9 celebration

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The New Orleans Saints reportedly will pay a hefty price for celebrating a blowout win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9.

The NFL fined the team $500,000 and stripped them of a seventh-round draft pick next season for not wearing masks during their postgame celebration after beating the Bucs 38-3 on Nov. 8, ESPN reported Sunday.

The Saints are said to be appealing the decision, asserting that the league has not punished other teams as heavily for celebrating in a similar manner.

A video of the team’s locker room celebration was posted to Instagram after the game and showed coach Sean Payton, linebacker Demario Davis and quarterback Jameis Winston celebrating without masks. It has been removed.

The Saints previously were fined $250,000 and Payton was fined $100,000 when he was spotted not wearing a mask during a loss to the Raiders in Las Vegas in Week 2.

The Patriots also reportedly were fined $350,000 on Sunday for violations in October that led to an outbreak within the team.

–Field Level Media