Following the Detroit Lions’ playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, former Lions fullback/linebacker Jason Cabinda sharply criticized the NFL for a missed penalty that could have changed the game’s outcome.
The controversial play occurred when Washington linebacker Frankie Luvu hit Lions quarterback Jared Goff with a helmet-to-helmet blow. While no flag was thrown during the game, the NFL later fined Luvu for roughing the passer.
Cabinda expressed his frustration on Twitter, criticizing the league’s handling of such situations.
NFL’s Fines After Missed Calls Under Fire
“It’s ridiculous that the NFL skips throwing flags but fines players later to cover their mistakes,” Cabinda tweeted, pointing out the inconsistency in rule enforcement.
The play in question led to an interception returned for a touchdown, deepening the Lions’ deficit in the divisional-round playoff game. Goff, briefly sidelined for a concussion evaluation, missed critical plays. The penalty oversight was a major factor in the Lions’ 45-31 loss to Washington.
Jason Cabinda: Fines Should Be Equal for All
Cabinda’s frustrations grew as fans weighed in on his comments. One fan suggested fines for players and referees didn’t need to be equal, but Cabinda strongly disagreed, responding: “Yes, fines need to be equally significant. These fines are outrageous—players literally lose money just for PLAYING FOOTBALL.”
Cabinda’s remarks highlighted the imbalance in the NFL’s disciplinary measures, sparking broader discussions about fairness and accountability. His criticism resonated with fans and players, many of whom voiced similar frustrations about how the league handles officiating mistakes and fines.
For Lions fans, the controversy reopened wounds from the loss, as the missed call remains a sore point. The NFL’s acknowledgment of the error, followed by fining Luvu but not holding officials accountable, only intensified the frustration.
Cabinda’s reaction mirrors that of Detroit’s fanbase, who feel officiating missteps contributed significantly to their team’s playoff exit. The incident raises ongoing questions about whether the league will implement measures to ensure greater accountability for referees in critical games.
