The NFL announces $33,409 punishment on Dallas Cowboys that puts them in a bad light compared to the rest of the league
The Dallas Cowboys running back knows he made a mistake, and he has a clear plan to avoid repeating it. More on the NFL’s fines for Cowboys players this week.
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Wiliams vowed fans didn’t have to worry about him repeating his Week 1 mistake vs the New York Giants when he was called for taunting for his touchdown celebration.
That will benefit the Cowboys on gameday. And also, his finances.
Williams was one of three Cowboys fined for their Week 1 play, the highest amount for any team in the NFL per the league’s accountability site. Combined, Cowboys players were fined for $33,409. That alone is a reminder of how badly Brian Schottenheimer’s team needs to cut down on penalties.
In the opener, the Cowboys were called for nine penalties. Year after year, Dallas is among the NFL teams with the most fouls against.
Javonte Williams fined for taunting
Williams was fined $11,941 for the touchdown celebration, which is the NFL’s standarized amount for first offenders.
The celebration happened after a touchdown play. Williams extended the football toward the closest Giants defender, safety Tyler Nubin, and pulled it back as he closed in. At the time, the Cowboys were still down on the scoreboard and the penalty ruined Dallas’ plans to go for two.
Williams’ actions were considered uncharacteristic of him. Since he arrived at the NFL in 2021, Williams had four fines before this one. Three were impermissible use of the helmet (common for running backs given the nature of the position) and another was unnecessary roughness in 2022.
Williams vows to avoid taunting moving forward
A second offense for taunting this season would cost Williams $17,911, but he’s sure it won’t happen again. And maybe, he’ll stop celebrating at all.
“That was out of character,” Williams told reporters via The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “You do not have to worry about that no more. I hurt the team. That is on me. I take full accountability and responsibility. From here on out, you don’t have to worry about me celebrating at all.”
Other Cowboys fined
In addition to Williams, Cowboys OLB Donovan Ezeiruaku and linebacker DeMarvion Overshown were also fined.
Overshown had a late hit on Giants QB Jaxson Dart which cost him $9,527. Meanwhile, Ezeiruaku’s facemask foul will cost him the same as Williams’ taunting at $11,941.
Per the league, “fines collected by the NFL are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support Legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.”
