The approach of the NFL to charge fines has evolved over the years as they continue to strike a balance between maintaining discipline and promoting the welfare of athletes. While fines remain a debated issue in the sports world, they play a crucial role in forcing players to abide by the league’s standard guidelines and promoting fair play on the field.
To uphold the league’s image and maintain a high standard of conduct on the field, this action is undoubtedly required. However, week 5 of the 2023 season has seen one of the worst scenarios of monetary penalties as an extensive number of players are slapped with some big fines, leaving fans and analysts alike in utter shock.
NFL took strict measures resulting in 29 fines
On each Saturday the NFL announced the fines imposed on players due to their on-field activities as per NBC. In week 5 of this season, 29 fines were announced against 26 players from 18 teams, marking 1.35 percent of all plays. The athletes had been charged for issues ranging from unnecessary roughness, and unsportsmanlike conduct to a hit on a quarterback.
The Buffalo Bills’ Ed Oliver, Dallas Cowboys’ Donovan Wilson, and Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt got fined twice. The fines handed down are an indication of the league’s determination to ensure fair play, albeit the debate over the extent of these measures is likely to persist. However, footballers have the opportunity to appeal.
Meanwhile, this week’s fine is higher than week 4 fines where 20 players from 13 teams were fined. However, it is lower than week 3 fines, covering 34 players of 20 teams, 34 players.
Fines handed out to 49ers, and Cowboys by NFL after physically intense week 5 clash
Besides intense on-field competition, the Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers week 5 game has made entry into the NFL’s notorious list as four fines were handed down to the Dallas squad, and two to San Francisco.
In the 49ers’ 42-10 victory at Levi Stadium, their offensive veteran Aaron Banks was charged $10,440 for unnecessary roughness due to punching to the facemask of rival defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins while tight end George Kittle was fined $13,659 for flashing an NSFW undershirt on the field.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ Wilson was charged twice, with the first being a $10,927 fine for bringing Christian McCaffrey back to the ground, and another $16,391 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on San Francisco’s running back. Their defensive veteran Jayron Kearse was charged $10,927 due to teasing for posturing over McCaffrey while linebacker Leighton Vander Esch was fined $18,219 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Deebo Samuel.
What’s your take on these big fines from the two mighty teams of the league? Tell us in the comments.
