The Baltimore Ravens won their second straight game last weekend, pulling out a 28-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins, but it was quite a costly day for one of the team's offensive stars.
Miami took an early 3-0 lead, but Lamar Jackson torched the Dolphins defense for four touchdown passes-two to tight end Mark Andrews, one to one to tight end Charlie Kolar, one to receiver Rashod Bateman-and Baltimore improved to 3-5 after winning just once in its first six games.
While Bateman had the touchdown grab, he finished with just two catches for 13 yards in a relatively quiet performance.
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But that wasn't what Bateman will likely remember most from that game. The 25-year-old wideout was hit with a pretty significant $25,154 fine by the NFL on Saturday for abuse of an official.
It was the second-largest fine of the week behind Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu, who was fined $100,000 for his fourth hip-drop tackle of the season.
It's not known what Bateman said to the official, but video emerged on social media showing him seemingly shouting something inappropriate at a referee.
Through eight games, Bateman is second on the Ravens in touchdowns (two), third in targets (29), and fourth in receptions (15) and receiving yards (184). The Minnesota alum is fresh off a breakout season last year, in which he logged 45 catches, a career-best 756 yards and nine touchdowns.
The NFL has emphasized cracking down on unsportsmanlike conduct this year, and the league has really made a point to drive home not being critical or threatening its referees. Los Angeles Rams WR Davante Adams was fined $29,785 for yelling at officials back in 2022, and Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was fined $50,000 for criticizing officials in 2023.
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