NFL drops the hammer on 2 young Packers players right ahead of Week 2 game against the Jets
Safety Evan Williams and edge defender Lukas Van Ness got fined by the league.
The fines are back in the NFL. The league released on Saturday its entire slate of Week 1 fines for incidents in those games, and two Packers players were hit because of specific plays in the loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Young players get punished
Safety Evan Williams got fined $7,087 for unnecessary roughness due to a hit on a defenseless player during the second quarter. Edge defender Lukas Van Ness suffered a heavier penalty, getting a $17,911 fine for a hit on a quarterback during the third quarter, which was considered a blow to the head/neck area. No Vikings player was fined.
Fines go for good causes around the football world
The NFL uses its fine schedule to outline the league’s and the NFLPA’s expectations for players. The rules are designed to protect players from unnecessary risk and emphasize sportsmanship, according to the league.
Player infractions can come to the league’s attention through several channels. The NFL may respond to an official’s call during a game or to a specific play a team submits for review. The league’s officiating department also reviews every play from every game and refers potential violations to the Football Operations Compliance Team.
The fines collected are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support legends in need and the NFL Foundation. Those funds further support the health and safety of athletes across all levels, including youth football, and the communities that support the game. Since 2011, about $4 million per year has been used to support those causes.
For the Packers, the major concern is that repeating offenders might get suspended later in the season.
