Two Detroit Lions players received fined from the NFL after their team defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4. Due to their on-field behavior, defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike and wide receiver Jameson Williams both suffered thousands of dollars in fines.
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Dunk: Jameson Williams Is Penalized
Williams was fined in the third quarter following a touchdown reception of 70 yards. Williams chose to celebrate by slamming the ball over the goalpost in a manner reminiscent to Calvin Johnson, rather than playing it safe and giving the ball to the referee. Fans were enraged by the halftime homage to Megatron, who was inducted into the Pride of the Lions, but the league office was also incensed, leading to a $14,069 fine for unsportsmanlike behavior (using a
prop). Williams’ homage appears to have annoyed the “No Fun League,” as the rulebook forbids using the goalpost for celebratory purposes.
Onwuzurike’s Fall on Geno Smith Was Penalized
For a different incident, Levi Onwuzurike also received a fine. Onwuzurike hit Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith hard in the fourth quarter; the play was ultimately ruled a roughing-the-passer by the league. Because the defensive tackle used his whole weight to hit Smith—a rule that the NFL has been strictly enforcing to protect quarterbacks—he was fined $13,849 for the hit.
What The Detroit Lions Will Do Next
With a bye week, the 3-1 Lions will give themselves a much-needed rest before heading to Dallas to play the Cowboys in Week 6. Williams and Onwuzurike will have the opportunity to refocus as the Lions attempt to keep up their momentum heading into the second quarter of the season, even though their wallets are lighter following their individual punishments.
