The Tampa Bay Buccaneers edged out the Seattle Seahawks 38-25 last weekend, and for the Seahawks, the defeat dropped them to 3-2 heading into their Week 6 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
During that Week 5 game, there was some drama. Seahawks defensive tackle Leonard Williams displayed a headbutting moment on the field that got flagged for unnecessary roughness with under one minute left to play in the third quarter. The penalty was called because Williams contacted Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton, and after the exchange, the two had some words with each other.
Williams, who totaled 64 tackles, 11 sacks, 16 tackles for loss and one pick-6 last season, is being hit with a big punishment from the NFL league office.
Each week, the NFL penalizes players for conduct from the previous week’s games that violates league rules. The NFL notes on their website that these actions are “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity, the NFL and NFL Players Association have agreed on a set of game-related rules violations that may result in accountability measures.”
In the NFL’s report for Week 5, Williams was hit with a $46,371 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet) - the biggest fine of the week by far.
It’s also the second-highest fine of the season so far, with the only one higher being when Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was fined $57,222 for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
But Williams’ fine will go to a good cause. According to the NFL, all fines go to the Professional Athletes Foundation to “support legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.”
Williams isn’t getting suspended, so he’ll be available for the Seahawks’ game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
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