:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1326591/GYI0062088383.jpg)
The NFL has handed down the fine for Dunta Robinson's hit on DeSean Jackson and it's a hefty one. Robinson will be fined $50,000 for the illegal hit on a defenseless player. They weren't done there however, as Patriots' safety Brandon Meriweather was also fined $50,000 and Steelers LB James Harrison was docked a whopping $75,000!
Just to put the money in context, James Harrison was previously fined for hit that was deemed unnecessary roughness. The fine was just $5,000.
There were no suspensions handed down, but these hefty fines are sure to get the attention of some players. The implication is that if these hits had happened next week, a suspension would have been included with the fine. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello explained why there were no suspensions handed down.
Fair warning needed to be given to players & clubs before increased discipline starts to include game suspensions... A communication will go to the clubs, coaches, and players tomorrow about the increased discipline for violations of player safety rules.
After the jump is the NFL's statement on the hit.
The NFL released this explanation for the fine.
In the second quarter of Atlanta's game against Philadelphia, Robinson unnecessarily struck a defenseless receiver. That action violated Rule 12, Section 2, Article 8 (g) of the NFL Official Playing Rules, which states that it is unnecessary roughness if the initial force of the contact by a defender's helmet, forearm, or shoulder is to the head or neck area of a defenseless receiver who is catching or attempting to catch a pass.