Cardinals linebacker Kyzir White led the NFL after Week 1 with the sum total of his fine for an unnecessarily rough hit on Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.
White was one of four Cardinals players fined after Week 1 penalties. The league fined him $18,056 for his hit on Howell. The Arizona linebacker is on a two-year deal with the squad, which is worth $10 million. He posted nine tackles, including one tackle for loss, in the loss to the Commanders.
On top of boasting the NFL’s highest Week 1 fine, the Cardinals’ four players fined was a high mark in the first leg of games. Also receiving fines were Paris Johnson ($10,927), Rondale Moore ($10,491) and K’Von Wallace ($5,611).
Although White had the highest single fine for his hit on Howell, one NFL player – D.K. Metcalf – owes the league more because he received two separate fines.
According to the league, all the money the NFL collects from fines goes to programs for former players. The NFL/NFLPA collective bargaining agreement includes an on-field code of conduct for all players. The rules are meant to “protect players from unnecessary risk, promote player safety, and emphasize sportsmanship.”
NFL slaps D.K. Metcalf with fines
The NFL gave Seattle Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf two fines this week, stemming from an incident during the 30-13 Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Metcalf was fined $10,927 for leveling Rams defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon away from the play. The league levied an additional $10,927 fine against Metcalf for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The hit occurred during the fourth quarter, with Seattle trailing 27-13. Witherspoon had to leave the game after the blindside hit. Metcalf finished the game with three receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown. Witherspoon recorded two tackles, both solo stops.
Metcalf explained his side of the hit while speaking with the media after the game.
“Well, I was blocking,” Metcalf said. “I guess I blocked him a little too hard and pushed him to the ground and he got up mad because he felt like I blocked him in the back. But I mean, that’s just how I play. I block every play when I don’t have the ball and I’m never taking a play off or jogging, trying to take a play off. So that’s what transpired.”
Clearly, the NFL wasn’t buying Metcalf’s explanation.
On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this report.
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