In case you missed it, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is in the midst of a controversial fine from the NFL. In Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, he was brought in to pass block on a specific play. In real time, his block on Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht didn't appear violent whatsoever. In fact, he wasn't flagged or anything on the play.
A few days later, it was announced that the NFL was fining him $48,556 for ducking his head on that block. It was met with immediate rage from fans throughout the NFL, which has tried to make the league safer over the past few years. While they have made it safer generally speaking, it is instances like this in which fans became frustrated. When speaking to reporters on Tuesday, via Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Warren said that he is appealing the fine.
"It’s unfortunate that what got me to make the team is kind of costing me. I don’t know how I’m supposed to hit dudes that are like 350 pounds and two feet taller than me. I can’t stand my ground and punch them. They’re going to run me over."
Warren is right, what is he supposed to do? There wasn't any helmet-to-helmet on his block in Week 7. In his quote, the running back is referencing the fact that his blocking and overall toughness was an integral part of why he was able to make the roster in 2022. Now, he's facing repercussions for playing that way, and it's not fair. Let's not forget that Warren isn't a highly decorated, former first round draft pick.
Which Steelers Fine Was The Most Unnecessary?
Warren worked his tail off to make the Steelers' 53-man roster last year as an undrafted rookie free agent. While an impressive story, he's in the midst of a three-year, $2.5 million deal. Obviously anyone would love to make the kind of money that he does, but it's still unnecessary from the NFL to take large amounts away from him. It's not the first time this kind of stuff has happened this season, as multiple Steelers players have been fined unnecessarily in 2023. He spoke more about his unhappiness with the league.
"$50,000 is crazy. That’s a whole car. That’s money I could be giving my family. [The Week 2 hit] got reduced down from like $48k to $39k if you want to call that a win. I call that a loss," Warren said via DeFabo.
It seems mostly unfair to fine a player this much, especially considering his cheap contract. DeFabo projected that Warren's multiple fines this season will force him to lose roughly 17% of his net earnings from his contract. Previously, he was fined for lowering his shoulder on Cleveland Browns safety Juan Thornhill back in Week 2.
We'll see if Warren can get the fine reduced or wiped away altogether, but it's unlikely that the NFL backtracks on its verdict. More malpractice from Roger Goodell and the league office. If you hadn't heard, flag football is coming to the Olympics in 2028, led by a charge from the NFL. At this point, the league seems to be trending toward that direction. While they have made things safer, fining players like this don't help its product.
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