Vikings CB Byron Murphy Jr. given a late lump of coal for Christmas after Week 16 win vs. Seahawks

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. was fined $11,255 for taunting during Sunday afternoon's game against the Seattle Seahawks. The penalty came in the third quarter on a third down play where Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith threw a slot fade to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba that fell incomplete with Murphy in coverage. He then stood over […]

Tyler Forness NFL & College Football News Writer
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Dec 8, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. (7) intercepts a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. was fined $11,255 for taunting during Sunday afternoon's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

The penalty came in the third quarter on a third down play where Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith threw a slot fade to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba that fell incomplete with Murphy in coverage. He then stood over Smith-Njigba after the play.

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Byron Murphy Jr. fined by NFL for taunting

The alleged taunting by Murphy isn't something that happens rarely in the National Football League. Cornerbacks look down at receivers all the time when they win the rep. It's a normal thing.

Now, why did Murphy get fined here but not flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct foul? It's not going to be for something he said, as that would have been caught by the official. it's likely for the taunting "motion" that was seen on camera.

This is Murphy's first fine in 2024.