NFL sends confusing message to Buffalo Bills' safety with hefty fine on un-flagged play
Buffalo Bills' safety Taylor Rapp had an eventful day last Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The safety and Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert had several run-ins over the course of the game, both of which getting fines from the league for their actions.Early in the first quarter, Rapp and Mostert met head-on in the middle […]
Buffalo Bills' safety Taylor Rapp had an eventful day last Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The safety and Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert had several run-ins over the course of the game, both of which getting fines from the league for their actions.
Early in the first quarter, Rapp and Mostert met head-on in the middle of the field after a catch and run. Mostert lowered his helmet, was later fined, but was not flagged, and Rapp drew an unnecessary roughness penalty on the play.
So essentially, the league said Mostert was wrong, and the refs said Rapp was wrong.
Later in the game, the league also contradicted the referees. After Rapp and Mostert met for a tackle on the sideline, and Rapp got up jawing with the back. They went their separate ways, heading back to their respective huddles while continuing to share some words, and no flags were thrown.
Yet, Rapp received a $11,255 fine for taunting.
Rapp and Mostert each got fined in the game, which isn't too shocking for an AFC East matchup between the Bills and the Dolphins. Division games are unsurprisingly more hotly contested, with the two sides having plenty of history and familiarity with each other.
Considering the Dolphins are all but eliminated from playoff contention, Rapp and Mostert more than likely won't have another opportunity to square off on the field this season. Both of them are under contract through next season with their respective teams, so they'll have to wait until next season to dust off this spat.
NFL reverses course on a decision that would have cost Buffalo Bills fan-favorite defender
The league got it right.
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