Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey receives fine from NFL for something he claims to be a misunderstanding
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey has been fined $11,255 for unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting) during their 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16. NFL insider Tom Pelissero posted a clip of the incident to X. Early in the fourth quarter, Humphrey picked off Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson and returned it 37 yards for a […]
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey has been fined $11,255 for unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting) during their 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero posted a clip of the incident to X.
Early in the fourth quarter, Humphrey picked off Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown. The NFL fined Humphrey because it believed he was taunting Pittsburgh receiver Calvin Austin by holding the ball out towards him while running it back. However, after the game Humphrey claimed that wasn't the case.
"I want to make this pretty clear," Humphrey said. "When I was running with the football, I saw [Ravens linebacker] David Njabo, a really great teammate of mine, and I was trying to pitch him the football. Some people brought up to me that it looked like taunting or something, but I was trying to pitch him the football. There was no taunting there at all. I just want to make that very clear."
It is important to note that Humphrey was not flagged on the play. The lack of consistency between being penalized and fined for something has been very frustrating for players over the last several years. Both Austin and Njabo were behind Humphrey as he was running, so it's difficult to establish intent.
Regardless, that's a pretty hefty amount of money for something that didn't hurt anyone. Humphrey has a good reputation as a standup person, making the fine even more harsh. The veteran defender is a former All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler. In 15 games played this season Humphrey has 63 tackles, six interceptions (tied for second-most in the league), 14 passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.
As unfortunate as this is, Humphrey will have to try to put it behind him and move forward. He and the Ravens are rolling, winners of their last three games. They clinched a playoff berth with their Christmas Day win over the Houston Texans, and can secure the AFC North title with a win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 18, or with a Steelers' loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
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