The Washington Commanders fell to 3-7 with a loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 10 – the team’s fifth-straight loss after opening the season 3-2.
But the loss wasn’t the only bad news for the Commanders. During the contest star defensive tackle Daron Payne was ejected for punching Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was later fined by the NFL after video emerged showing the star wideout punching Payne just plays earlier.
Payne eventually received a one-game suspension for his actions on the field, but wasn’t the only Commanders player to suffer punishment from the NFL following the loss.
The NFL announced a stiff fine for defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw, who made contact with an official during the loss, but the league’s punishment for special teams player Ale Kaho is what really drew the ire of Commanders fans. Kaho was hit with a $46,371 fine from the NFL for “use of helmet” during a special teams play where he suffered a concussion, according to Commanders reporter Nicki Jhabvala.
Commanders reporter Ben Standig pointed out the hefty fine from the NFL is nearly a full game check for Kaho, who was also fined for “use of helmet” in Week 4. “Kaho’s salary is $840,000. That comes to $46,667 weekly over 18 weeks. That means this UDFA earned $296 (pre-tax) last week,” Standig said, igniting fury from Commanders fans.
“Fines should be done by percentage of your salary, that's ridiculous,” one fan suggested, which turned into a common refrain from Commanders fans displeased with the punishment.
“I always thought the NFL penalty system took into fact the players salary before handed down fines. But I guess not ?? What did he actually do to deserve that amount?” questioned another before a third suggested, “I always thought they should use percentages on these fines.”
Kaho was ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins.
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