Johnathan Abram appealing $80K in fines for hits vs. Falcons

Abram was fined $80,000 for two hits in the Week 12 loss to Atlanta, and he's now appealing the fines. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Johnathan Abram appealing $80,000 in fines for two hits against Falcons

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/12/20

The NFL handed Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram a hefty punishment for hitting a couple of Atlanta Falcons players hard two weeks ago.

Abram was fined $80,000 for two hits in the Week 12 loss to Atlanta, and he's now appealing the fines, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

From @gmfb: #Raiders safety Johnathan Abram is appealing $80,000 in fines for two hits in a Week 12 game against the #Falcons -- roughly the value of two game checks. Neither hit was flagged. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/6WDbFJww5K
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 12, 2020

One hit came on Falcons running back Ito Smith, while the other was on wide receiver Russell Gage. Neither hit drew a penalty flag, but the NFL concluded that Abram lowered his helmet on both plays to initiate contact.

A provision in the Collective Bargaining Agreement allows Abram to appeal the fine because it exceeds 10 percent of his per-game salary-cap hit. If he succeeds, his fine will likely be reduced.

In 10 games this season, Abram has two interceptions, one fumble recovery, 48 solo tackles and four quarterback hits. He was selected by the Raiders in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

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