The NFL is not playing games with discipline this week. Following the absolute madness that went down in Week 5, the league office dropped a massive wave of fines, and Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is at the top of the list.
The Heavy Hitters
Crosby was hit with a $23,882 fine for unnecessary roughness after an illegal use of his helmet during the Raiders' 45-17 loss to the New England Patriots. The incident went down in the first quarter during a Patriots extra-point attempt.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook also got caught in the crosshairs, receiving a $21,167 fine for use of his helmet against the Los Angeles Rams. Unlike Crosby, Cook didn’t even draw a flag during the game, but the league review process didn't let it slide. In total, six players across the league were fined for helmet-related infractions this week.
More Drama Off the Field
The tension was high all weekend. Bills player Bradley Chubb was fined for taunting Rams player Alaric Jackson during a postgame confrontation. Things turned physical when Jackson threw a punch at Chubb, which landed Jackson a suspension.
New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is also lighter in the wallet after being fined $17,911 for a hit on Cleveland Browns wide receiver KC Concepcion, plus an additional $11,941 for a facemask penalty. Fitzpatrick has maintained the hit wasn't dirty.
Finally, the London game didn't escape the league's radar. Following their ejections right after the opening kickoff, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter was fined $6,428 and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Bryan Thomas Jr. was fined $4,972 for their involvement in the on-field brawl.
Why it matters
Real talk: The NFL is highkey emphasizing player safety and cutting down on extracurriculars. With these hefty price tags, players are definitely going to think twice before getting reckless on the field. It's giving 'keep your cool or pay the price' energy.
