Why did the NFL slap Diontae Johnson with a $25,000 fine? Exploring the details of Steelers’ WR penalty

With a 5-3 record until week 8 and second spot in the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers are definitely going strong this season. From rookie wide receiver George Pickens’ frustration on social media following his poor performance to defensive lineman Cameron Heyward’s move of channeling ‘John Wick’ to announce a comeback, the team’s players have been hitting the headlines due to their football-related activities.

To stretch their winning streak, the Steelers will be facing off against the Green Bay Packers in the Week 9 match. Meanwhile, their wide receiver Diontae Johnson has been slapped with a hefty amount due to his controversial take regarding their Week 8 match against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Why did the NFL punish Diontae Johnson with $25,000?

After winning two consecutive games against the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Rams, the Steelers went down against the Jaguars. Besides that 10-20 loss, Johnson also had to face financial charges as the NFL fined him a total of $25,000 for blasting the officiating crew, via SI.com.

The veteran wasn’t the only one to question officiating in the match as Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and guard Isaac Seumalo also raised eyebrows regarding some decisions of the crew. The NFL community has long claimed the league favors big teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. Johnson’s claim has again awakened the controversial discussion.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa also had to face a $12,500 fine for his comments on the officiating during their wildcard game against the Jaguars. His fine was labeled by the league as a “verbal or other non-physical offense against an official.”

What did Diontae Johnson say about the NFL officials?

The Steelers offense is definitely struggling under their offensive coordinator Matt Canada but Johnson claimed the Jaguars were favored in the Week 8 match. In their 10-point loss, the Jaguars defensive star Adam Gotsis first slammed the Steelers dual-threat Kenny Pickett to the ground after releasing the ball. The signal-caller sustained an injury in his ribs following the incident and couldn’t resume his play in the game once again.

A roughing the passer call against Gotsis was projected to be on the way following the hit, but there was no flag. Johnson didn’t shy away from calling out the officials for the missed call while talking with the reporters in the team’s locker room.

“They were calling some stupid stuff. They should get fined for making terrible calls. That’s how (mad) I am because they cost us the game. I don’t care what nobody says, they cost us the game,” he said via AP News.

Following Adam’s hit, another controversial incident happened when the Steelers veteran Chris Boswell’s field goal was negated by their guard Isaac Seumalo. Referee Alan Eck said the guard was lined up in the neutral zone. The call which the Steelers HC said he had not seen in 17 years of standing on the sidelines led the kicker to miss an ensuing 61-yard try.

Johnson also slammed the officials for the call and said they “got paid good” for those debating calls.

“The refs was killing us the whole game. Like Coach [Tomlin] said, we can’t worry about the refs or whatever, but everybody’s different. I don’t know. I ain’t like the refs today. They must have got paid good today or something. (The referees) wanted (Jacksonville) to win. Everything was in their favor. They were getting every little call. But it is what it is.”

Both the Steelers and Jaguars players were slapped with a total of six penalties in the Week 8 match. The Jaguars gave up 72 yards on penalties while Johnson’s squad 56. What’s your take on the incident? Tell us in the comments.