Trent Williams, the big offensive tackle for the 49ers, called it a “love tap.” But the NFL didn’t see it as affectionate, fining him for the punch he threw against A’Shawn Robinson.
And the league also didn’t like the reaction from Robinson, the Giants defensive tackle. That’s why both players received $11,473 fines from the NFL from their actions in a game the 49ers won 30-12.
Apparently, the NFL believed Williams was simply reacting to Robinson’s push.
And you can see from this angle in the video that while Trent Williams considered it a “love tap,” it was more of a right hook that landed in Robinson’s face mask. Giants coach Brian Daboll certainly wanted the officials to eject Williams, one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL.
Officials didn’t eject either player. They flagged both, so the penalties offset.
Officials didn’t eject Trent Williams because punch wasn’t flagrant
The Athletic interviewed Walt Anderson, the NFL’s senior VP for officiating, about why the refs didn’t toss Trent Williams.
“Well, these are judgment calls and a lot of times you might end up having an open hand, often a stiff arm to the face, versus a closed fist punch, which certainly carries a different weight to it,” Anderson said. “So, we ended up looking at the available video we had and just didn’t feel like the actions rose to the level of flagrant.
“You can certainly end up having contact with hands to the helmet, and some of those actions would be deemed a punch, others would not.”
The whole incident was so unneccessary. It came near the end of the first half when the 49ers were killing the clock to get to the lockerroom. As Brock Purdy was taking a knee, Robinson pushed San Francisco’s Aaron Banks. Then Banks and Williams shoved back, with the left tackle adding an extra punch.
The 49ers play host to the Cardinals, a team reinvigorated by their upset of the Cowboys. We’re assuming Trent Williams will be on his best behavior, or else he’ll write a bigger check to an NFL charity.
Meanwhile, the 1-2 Giants play host to the 2-1 Seahawks on Monday Night Football. The Giants have two lopsided losses — to the Cowboys and 49ers. The only win was a 31-28 victory over the Cardinals.
The Giants may receive a jolt of good energy if Saquon Barkley can play. He practiced Thursday and Friday for the first time since he sprained his ankle two weeks ago.
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