The NFL does not play around. The league has taken harsh measures against players who have been misusing their helmets in recent years. CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys, a wide receiver, is the most recent offensive player to be fined. Lamb was one of the sanctions from week three that the league released on Saturday. For a play in their game against the Baltimore Ravens, he received a fine of just more than $22,000.
Dallas Cowboys CeeDee Lamb Fined
The incident occurred at the end of the first quarter when the Dallas Cowboys were advancing inside the opponent’s 30-yard line. Dak Prescott connected with CeeDee Lamb on a slant route, and during the play, Lamb lowered his head into the chest of Ravens’ safety Kyle Hamilton. No penalty was called during the game, but the NFL reviews all games and can impose fines afterward. Lamb and Packers running back Josh Jacobs were both fined in Week 3.
According to the NFL’s fine schedule for improper helmet use or launching, the penalty for a first offense is $22,511. Since this is Lamb’s first offense, the league imposed the fine. He has the option to appeal, but he may choose to accept the fine and move on. The announcement of this fine sparked some backlash among fans, as many felt the play was not dirty at all.
Why It Was Fined
This kind of fine is likely to face backlash from fans, as similar plays occur frequently during games. Offensive players often lower their heads to gain extra yards, and the NFL is working to prevent this. The push for heightened player safety has led the league to seek the elimination of helmet-first contact. Nevertheless, players must acknowledge that football is inherently a violent sport and carries the risk of serious injuries.
Given CeeDee Lamb’s recent contract, this fine probably won’t faze the Dallas Cowboys star. However, it will be a topic of discussion this weekend. Just five years ago, this type of play was considered standard, but now it leads to fines. Retraining players is challenging, especially after years of experience in the game. While the NFL should prioritize player safety, there are alternative approaches beyond penalizing players for simply playing football. The Cowboys have a break tomorrow in preparation for their game against the Giants on Thursday.
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