NFL Drops The Hammer With Stiff Punishment For 2 Star Players, Including One Former 1st Round Pick

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The Cleveland Browns’ offensive linemen have undergone an overhaul this offseason. One of those moves was trading for Tytus Howard, a Houston Texans veteran. The team immediately inked him to a three-year, $63 million extension that runs through 2029.

But things got off to a rough start for Howard. After committing a violation in the Browns’ preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, a good chunk of his salary this year will be reduced after the league found a penalty he committed on the field.

NFL Hit Tytus Howard With A Hefty Fine

In the first quarter against the Bears, game officials called Howard for tripping Chicago Bears’ Dayo Odeyingbo. A penalty was called, but the game went on for the two teams.

However, after a careful review of the game, the NFL found that Howard’s actions warranted a fine. The tripping incident was deemed unnecessary, and the Browns’ star OL was fined $12,537.

For an additional reference, the league has laid out its rules regarding tripping.

“All players are prohibited from: striking an opponent with his fists; kicking or kneeing an opponent; tripping an opponent, including the runner; striking, swinging at, or clubbing the head, neck, or face of an opponent with the wrist(s), arm(s), elbow(s), or hand(s); or striking an opponent below the shoulders with his forearm or elbows by turning the trunk of his body at the waist, or by pivoting, or by any other way that is clearly unnecessary.”

The fine given to Howard was standard for a first-time offense. The amount goes up if a certain player becomes a repeat offender.

The 30-year-old will surely become much more wary with his actions in the field this year.

Chargers DB Kendall Williamson Also Fined By The NFL

In separate news, the NFL also fined Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Kendall Williamson for $5,972. 

The play in question occurred during the preseason game between the Texans and the Chargers. Williamson apparently lowered his head to make a tackle on Texans running back Noah Whittington. 

While the game officials missed the play, the league fined Williamson because of ‘unnecessary roughness’ after their post-game review.

This is not the news Chargers fans wanted to hear, as they are hoping for an update from one of their star centers.