Steelers' Kwon Alexander fined for routine-looking play during preseason
Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers are no strangers to receiving fines from the NFL. (See James Harrison. Well, Kwon Alexander has played in only two preseason games for Pittsburgh, but he just found out the NFL rules committee is in midseason form: What comes off as a routine play, the NFL has emphasized that referees penalize players […]
Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers are no strangers to receiving fines from the NFL. (See James Harrison.
Well, Kwon Alexander has played in only two preseason games for Pittsburgh, but he just found out the NFL rules committee is in midseason form:
What comes off as a routine play, the NFL has emphasized that referees penalize players for lowering the crown of the helmet to initiate contact. It seems that Alexander does that, even though it was very mild.
In fairness to him, that was a moving target, so it's not as if the back was defenseless, and on top of that, it was only preseason. So sure, a penalty, I get it. But that is a very hefty fine for a regular-season penalty, much less the first appearance of the year.
It's all being done for the future and safety of players, so while I appreciate the change in approach from the league, I just think this fine would be better saved for a more aggressive form of action, and certainly not a preseason contest.
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Featured image via: Pittsburgh Steelers YouTube
