Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith has been fined a total of $35,822 by the NFL for two separate violations during last Sunday’s 36-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Smith received a $17,911 fine for grabbing quarterback Josh Allen’s facemask and twisting his head during a touchdown run. The veteran linebacker was assessed an additional $17,911 fine for a hit on a defenseless player during another play in the game.
NFL levies double penalty on linebacker for facemask grab and hit on defenseless player
The disciplinary action comes less than a week after Baltimore suffered its third straight loss to Buffalo, a game in which the Ravens struggled defensively and lost quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley to injuries. The most notable incident occurred during Allen’s 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, when Smith grabbed the Buffalo quarterback’s facemask as he attempted to prevent him from reaching the end zone. Video of the play showed Allen’s head being turned as Smith made contact with his facemask. The touchdown stood, and the Bills took an early 7-0 lead.
The incident drew criticism after the game, with questions raised about the lack of an on-field penalty. The NFL’s decision to fine Smith for both infractions highlights the league’s ongoing emphasis on player safety, particularly regarding hits to the head and neck. For the Ravens, the fine adds to a difficult week that saw their defensive performance questioned and their starting quarterback sidelined. Smith’s actions, while part of an aggressive defensive scheme, resulted in a significant financial penalty that underscores the high cost of unsportsmanlike conduct in the modern NFL.
Source: Yahoo Sports
