As Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season kicks into gear, the fallout from the previous week’s games continues to make headlines. The Bills got the best of the Dolphins on Thursday night, but the real action has been off the field as the league has handed out fines to players and teams for various infractions during Week 1.
The most headline-grabbing incident came from the Raiders-Chargers game at SoFi Stadium. A brawl broke out near the end of the game, resulting in fines for several players. Josh Palmer of the Chargers and Jack Jones were ejected from the game. The league has levied fines against Palmer, Marcus Epps, Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, and Jack Jones for their roles in the altercation.
According to NFL Media, Palmer was fined $11,255, while the Raiders players received fines ranging from $5,472 to $11,817. It’s clear that the league is cracking down on unsportsmanlike conduct and on-field altercations.
But the fines didn’t stop there. Dalvin Tomlinson of the Browns was hit with a $22,511 fine for his hit on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Despite no penalty being called during the game, the league deemed the hit worthy of a fine. Similarly, Giants linebacker Darius Muasau was fined $4,696 for a tackle that left Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison injured and sidelined for Week 2.
Even teams weren’t immune from fines. The Kansas City Chiefs were fined $100,000 as an organization, and tight end Peyton Hendershot was fined $5,472 for his altercation with Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. While Smith wasn’t fined for his hit on Patrick Mahomes, he did receive a fine of $16,883 for a horse collar tackle in the first quarter.
Rounding out the list of fines, Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco was fined $5,582 for unnecessary roughness during a red zone play in the season opener. The league is clearly sending a message that player safety and sportsmanship are top priorities.
As the teams gear up for another week of action, the specter of fines looms large for any players or teams who step out of line. It’s clear that the NFL is serious about enforcing the rules and holding players and organizations accountable for their actions.
