NFL fans thought a decision the league made on a Kansas City Chiefs star player on Saturday was ridiculous.
The Chiefs earned a big win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday night via a walk-off field goal by Matthew Wright (stepping in for Harrison Butker while he won on injured reserve for a knee injury). Kansas City’s record improved to 12-1 with the win, enough to clinch the AFC West for the ninth season in a row.
A six-yard reception cost a player most of his game check
On Saturday, the league chose to punish running back Isiah Pacheco for a play he made during the second quarter of Sunday night’s game at Arrowhead Stadium. Pacheco caught a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes near the Chiefs’ own endzone and ran upfield.
While bracing for a hit from Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton, Pacheco lowered his helmet while continuing to run forward until he stepped out of bounds for a six-yard reception. League officials did not penalize the Chiefs running back for an illegal play.
Kansas City Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco received a fine from NFL
However, the NFL sent Pacheco a fine. Per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Pacheco was fined $45,020 for unnecessary roughness.
“The NFL fined Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco $45,020 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet) on this play last week,” Pelissero posted on X. “No flag was thrown.”
The NFL fined #Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco $45,020 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet) on this play last week. No flag was thrown. pic.twitter.com/mJrBBpuDig
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 14, 2024
NFL fans are upset with the fine
Fans on social media thought the fine was ridiculous.
“Isiah Pacheco has been fined $45,020 for lowering his helmet on a play where there was no penalty. It was “unnecessary roughness” His game check is $57,941 before tax,” BBQ Chiefs pointed out.
Isiah Pacheco has been fined $45,020 for lowering his helmet on a play where there was no penalty. It was "unnecessary roughness"
His game check is $57,941 before tax. pic.twitter.com/ulg8NdKxvb
— BBQ Chiefs (@BBQChiefs) December 15, 2024
“So the NFL will schedule Pop to play 3 games in 11 days, but fine him $45k for this, in the name of “player safety”. That is just wrong,” posted another.
“Question: What did he do? Looks like a regular play,” commented a fan.
“So he got fined for playing football? Got it,” wrote a fan.
“Absolutely ABSURD. Appeal this decision immediately,” posted another.
“I’m the Chiefs biggest hater and i’ll call them out every day, and any time of the year. This was a soft fine that had no business happening. He was just playing football,” commented one fan.
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