dpFor the third straight week, the NFL hit one of the Detroit Lions’ key offensive players with a massive fine.
The league announced on Saturday that it is fining Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams $23,417 for unnecessary roughness after he used his helmet during Detroit’s Week 3 matchup against the New York Jets. Williams did not receive a penalty for the infraction during the game.
The incident happened with 1:53 left in the third quarter.
Detroit had the ball first-and-10 on New York’s 21-yard line. As Lions quarterback Jared Goff rolled out to connect with Williams on a nine-yard pass, the receiver lowered his head. It connected helmet to helmet with Jets cornerback Azareye’h Thomas. Williams’ helmet came off during the bang-bang play.
After the catch, Williams stood up and spun the ball on the turf to celebrate. Thomas stayed on the ground for a moment before getting up.
This is Williams’ third fine this season. Last week, he was fined $14,926 for joining a touchdown celebration. In that same celebration, Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was fined $14,926 four times for “illegal celebrations and vulgar acts.” Williams also received an $11,941 fine for taunting.
So far this season, the Lions have the most team fines in the NFL, with $177,404 in total player penalties.
Last week, the league fined St. Brown $59,704, including four separate $14,926 fines for unsportsmanlike conduct after he mimicked a smoking gesture during celebrations. He plans to appeal the fine.
Gibbs has been fined $37,853, with $23,027 in Week 1 for using his helmet on a run and $14,926 in Week 2 for the celebration with St. Brown. Penei Sewell was fined $14,926 for an illegal or vulgar celebration. Tyler Lacy and Devin White were fined $7,315 and $7,222, both for facemask penalties.
