The Indianapolis Colts are coming off of a tough loss to the Detroit Lions last week, dropping their record to 5-7. Quarterback Anthony Richardson was in the lineup once again but was only to amount to 172 passing yards and no touchdowns. However, the young quarterback was punished by the league for an unnecessary roughness penalty on one of his runs.
Indianapolis Colts QB Punished
Richardson was fined $22,511 for lowering his head into Lions defensive back Brian Branch on a rushing attempt. The punishment has caused a lot of controversy amongst fans after the video evidence was released to the public.
The NFL fined #Colts QB Anthony Richardson $22,511 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet) — lowering his head into #Lions DB Brian Branch last week. pic.twitter.com/mJF5NuqiM7
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 30, 2024
NFL Fans React
The league has cracked down on players leading with their helmets to either break or make tackles this season, and this is a prime example of that rule being enforced. Richardson has already dealt with several injuries in his young career for plays like this, but fans think that the fine is too extreme for this particular play.
So he got fined for playing football? Got it.
— Serhan Dayi (@SerhanOnX) November 30, 2024
Wow, that fine is steep!
It’s tough to play the game without instinctively using the helmet for protection or impact.
What are your thoughts 💭 🤔
Is this rule improving player safety OR just changing how the game is played?
— George D Munoz (@georgedmunoz) November 30, 2024
soooo he’s supposed to stand straight up and get his ribs broken?
— hayden (@haydentalkss) November 30, 2024
A lot of fans think that Richardson was just trying to protect the rest of his body from the defender, who also seemed to lead with his helmet on the tackle attempt. However, the players and the league have been calling for more safety precautions with the head, and this is their way of enforcing these rules.
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