The San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers played one of the ugliest games of the season on Monday Night Football and the only real fireworks came as the game was over between Jauan Jennings and Tre’von Moehrig. After the final whistle sounded and players began shaking hands at midfield, ESPN’s cameras caught Jennings, the 49ers wide receiver, having to be forcibly held back by his teammates. He was even taken to the ground at one point before he could finally be subdued. When looking at a replay, it was revealed that Jennings approached Panthers defender Moehrig and clocked him with multiple shoves to the face. Much like what we saw earlier in the season between Daron Payne and Amon-Ra St. Brown during a dust up in a Lions-Commanders game, there was definitely a reason why Jauan Jennings was so upset and the punch didn’t come from nowhere. With a tip of the cap to the MNF production crew, ESPN was able to pull up a play from earlier in the game where Moehrig certainly appears to hit Jennings with a low blow after the whistle in what would be a fairly egregious act of unsportsmanlike conduct. You would have to imagine that both players will be hearing from the league office for that one. Certainly Moehrig’s low blow will have to be met with a stiff penalty. But Jennings going at him with a punch after the game was over isn’t going to be looked upon too kindly by the NFL, either. It was a fitting conclusion to what was one of the poorest primetime games the NFL has seen in some time. The 49ers easily defeated the Panthers by a 20-9 scoreline as Brock Purdy and Bryce Young combined for five interceptions on the night in a game that truly only became interesting after the final whistle sounded.
https://awfulannouncing.com/nfl/fight-49ers-panthers-monday-night-football-jennings-moehrig.html
Tag Archives: unsportsmanlike
NFL Announces Final Decision on Cowboys Player’s Fate
NFL games are jam-packed with excitement, but sometimes, things can get a bit too wild on the field. Players get caught up in the moment and do things they aren’t supposed to do. That was the case during the Dallas Cowboys‘ 33-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, November 17, in Vegas. Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens did the same move that was made by Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams the day prior, and as with Williams, he got handed an in-game penalty. During the first half of the game, Pickens scored a touchdown, and to celebrate, he jumped up and hugged the base of the goalposts. That action, by the NFL rules, gets a player an unsportsmanlike penalty, which is what Pickens got. Pickens finished the showdown with nine receptions, 144 yards and one touchdown, so it was a great performance for the wide receiver. But, the story isn’t over. The NFL has made a decision on whether it’s going to punish Pickens more. George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys Gets Punished The NFL hands down punishments to players every Saturday for actions taken during the previous week’s games. According to the league, that these actions are “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.” As for the amount and kinds of punishments, the NFL and NFL Players Association agree on the set of game-related rules violations that may result in accountability measures. The NFL sends out fines and punishments for actions that are deemed unsportsmanlike conduct, such as what Pickens did. And, on Saturday, Nov. 22, they announced that Pickens has to pay up. In the league’s accountability report, they announced that Pickens will have to pay $26,085 for “use of prop” and “unsportsmanlike conduct.” In addition, DeMarvion Overshown was fined $8,166 for a “late hit” and “unnecessary roughness.” For what it’s worth, Williams was also fined. On Saturday, the NFL announced that they’re fining him $14,491 for “use of prop” and “unsportsmanlike conduct.” Dallas Cowboys Player’s Fine Will Go to a Good Cause The funds raised from the NFL fines, according to an official statement from the league, will go 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.” Looking ahead, the Cowboys are 4-5-1 heading into their game against the 8-2 Eagles on Sunday, Nov. 22, at home. In the NFL’s predictions going into the game, their experts state that they “need to see this new version of the Cowboys compete with the NFC’s elite” before they can “buy into their chances of a turnaround in 2025.” They add that “If Vic Fangio’s suffocating defense relents at all, Dak Prescott could find an opening and exploit it. I’m just skeptical that the Cowboys have been transformed on the fly.”.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/nfl-announces-final-decision-player-fate/
Inside Kris Boyd’s winding NFL career before shooting: A viral playoff moment and a tough Jets break
Kris Boyd had been relatively obscure for an NFL player until he went viral during the playoffs with the Texans last season. The 29-year-old Jets cornerback currently in critical but stable condition at Bellevue Hospital after being shot in the abdomen early Sunday morning outside the Sei Less restaurant in Midtown forced a fumble on the opening kickoff that the Chiefs recovered, threw his helmet off in a celebratory manner and was assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. He then ran toward the sideline and shoved special teams coach Frank Ross in a moment replayed in slow motion on the ESPN broadcast. “I was just too excited, did something that I shouldn’t have done. Learning from it,” Boyd said after that game. “Keep my helmet on.” Primarily a special teams player, Boyd remained in the game as the Texans lost in the divisional round. Boyd signed a one-year, $1. 6 million contract with the Jets during the offseason but has not played a snap for them as he went on injured reserve in August with a shoulder injury. When he signed in March, Boyd wrote on Instagram, “When we follow God’s plan and timing for our own lives, we assist the process of spiritual growth!” He began his career with the Vikings, who took him in the seventh round out of Texas in the 2019 NFL Draft. Over his four seasons in Minnesota, Boyd had 95 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and three passes defended in 58 games. Boyd signed with the Cardinals in 2023 but was cut that October. He joined the Texans later that month.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/17/sports/inside-kris-boyds-winding-nfl-career-before-shooting/
NFL Confirms Punishment for Panthers RB Rico Dowdle & 1 Other Player
The Carolina Panthers secured one of the most surprising upset victories in recent NFL memory by handing the Green Bay Packers a 16-13 defeat in Week 9. With this win, the Panthers improved their record to 5-4, quietly emerging as a sneaky wild-card contender in the NFC.
Carolina’s formula for winning games revolves around strong defense and a powerful running game on offense. Once again, the Panthers received a standout performance from running back Rico Dowdle, though both he and rookie linebacker Nic Scourton faced punishments from the league on Saturday night.
### NFL Announces Fines for Rico Dowdle and Nic Scourton
Dowdle’s rise as the Panthers’ lead running back has been one of the season’s most surprising developments. Despite starting only three games, he has rushed for 735 yards this season, ranking fourth-highest in the NFL. Over a few weeks, Dowdle has essentially overshadowed Chuba Hubbard in Carolina’s offensive plans.
Against the Packers, Dowdle delivered another dominant performance, rushing for 130 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries, along with catching two passes for 11 yards. His impressive rushing totals have helped the Panthers’ offense improve, even if they aren’t consistently putting up huge point totals each week.
Following one of his touchdowns against Green Bay, Dowdle celebrated with the now-famous “Two Pumps” touchdown celebration. However, this led to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a $14,491 fine from the NFL.
On Saturday, the league confirmed Dowdle’s fine and also announced that rookie outside linebacker Nic Scourton was fined $8,701 for taunting.
Joe Person of The Athletic shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“Rico Dowdle’s $14,491 fine for his two-pump celebration officially fell under the ‘obscene gestures’ provision, per NFL’s weekly gameday accountability release. In addition to Dowdle, Panthers rookie OLB Nic Scourton fined $8,701 for taunting vs. Packers.”
### Panthers Look to Continue Momentum in Week 10
The fine levied against Dowdle has been public knowledge throughout the week, so the league’s confirmation comes as no surprise. Dowdle has responded positively to the situation by launching a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, with an initial goal of $14,000—the same amount as his fine.
As of Sunday morning, Dowdle has raised over $44,000, far exceeding his original target. He has since increased the fundraising goal to $60,000, turning a league fine into a charitable opportunity.
With momentum on their side and a rising star in Dowdle, the Panthers will look to build on their recent success as they head into Week 10.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/rico-dowdle-nic-scourton-fine-punishment-2/
NFL Announces Punishment for Texans Star Before Showdown Against 49ers
The Houston Texans may have been proven correct in their arguments on behalf of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, following the NFL’s latest decision to fine cornerback Derek Stingley—but not Al-Shaair—ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Al-Shaair was flagged for unnecessary roughness after tackling Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold along the sidelines in the first quarter of “Monday Night Football.” Despite the penalty call, the NFL chose not to fine Al-Shaair. Meanwhile, Seahawks linebacker Greenlaw, who protested the penalty during and after the game, was also not fined.
### Derek Stingley Tagged With Fine After Facemask Penalty
Although Stingley’s penalty did not attract as much attention as Al-Shaair’s, it still cost the All-Pro cornerback $11,593. Stingley, who is under a three-year, $90 million contract, was penalized for grabbing wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s facemask during a return after intercepting a pass from Darnold.
The play stood, granting the Texans possession after they had turned the ball over on downs two plays earlier.
Additionally, Smith-Njigba was fined $14,491 for unsportsmanlike conduct due to dunking on the goalpost. It was an expensive night for Stingley, the Texans, and Smith-Njigba alike.
### Al-Shaair Avoids Further Penalty
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio highlighted the surprising absence of a fine for Al-Shaair on the NFL’s football operations portal, especially given the Texans team captain’s prior history of fines. Earlier this season, Al-Shaair was penalized for a hit to the head of Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward.
“Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has a fairly extensive history of fines for in-game infractions,” Florio wrote on October 25. “He seemed poised to receive another one after being called for unnecessary roughness during a tackle of Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold on Monday night. Ultimately, no fine was imposed.”
Florio noted that while the officials ruled the play as unnecessary roughness, the league office—the same group that suspended Al-Shaair for three games last December—decided against fining him again.
Previously, Florio had anticipated further discipline for Al-Shaair due to his past infractions. In an article dated October 21, he questioned whether the linebacker’s third finable offense since returning from suspension might trigger another fine or even a suspension.
Instead, the league appeared to accept the circumstances closer to how Al-Shaair himself described them.
### Al-Shaair Stands Ground After Latest Polarizing Penalty
Al-Shaair has been adamant that he did nothing wrong on the play. He told reporters on October 21 that he questioned the officials during the Texans’ eventual loss to the Seahawks but was given mixed messages, being told he hit Darnold late.
“It really was me running with my receiver, him running. I pushed off of the receiver, right to the tackle. He lowers his shoulder. We both just kind of hit each other,” Al-Shaair explained. “I’m driving him. He’s trying to drive his legs. Still no whistle, but my head is in his chest. So, I don’t really know where I’m at on the field. There’s still no whistle. They never blew the whistle until after I dropped him on the ground.”
He continued, “It’s just confusing because that happened a whole bunch today. And I don’t, I guess, normally, think that you’re able to kind of play a little bit longer with the whistle. But it just awkwardly—if the guy stopped, then blow the whistle. So, I just…it was weird.”
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans backed Al-Shaair’s explanation of the play, supporting his linebacker in the aftermath of the controversial call.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/houston-texans/stingley-fined-seahawks-al-shaair-ryans-49ers/
NFL referee steps in to protect Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba in wild ‘MNF’ brawl scene
This referee went above and beyond on Monday night during the Seahawks’ 27-19 home win over the Texans on “Monday Night Football.”
Former NFL defensive back and current official Nathan Jones stepped in front of Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the Texans’ sideline to prevent any fireworks during a potentially combustible situation.
The incident unfolded roughly halfway through the fourth quarter after Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. intercepted a Sam Darnold pass intended for AJ Barner, with the Seahawks leading 27-12. As Stingley ran out of bounds, he stiff-armed Smith-Njigba, causing the receiver’s helmet to fall off.
Smith-Njigba, the former Ohio State star who had earlier received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after scoring a touchdown, responded by shoving Stingley in the back as both headed toward the benches. Several Texans players rushed over, with linebacker Christian Harris even shoving Smith-Njigba into the bench.
Sitting on the bench, Smith-Njigba extended his arms outward, seemingly indicating he was not trying to escalate the situation. Meanwhile, some Texans teammates held Harris back to prevent further confrontation.
As tensions rose, Seahawks teammate Cooper Kupp and others made their way over to defuse the situation. That’s when Nathan Jones worked his way through the pile of bodies to surround Smith-Njigba. Standing face-to-face with the receiver, Jones put his arms on each side of him, helping to calm both sides down.
Stingley ultimately received an unnecessary roughness penalty for his actions.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky praised Jones for his quick and decisive intervention.
“That’s a good job by that official, that referee right there, to protect that player, man,” Orlovsky said. “I don’t know that official’s name, but that’s outstanding by him.”
A Newark native, Nathan Jones played college football at Rutgers before being drafted in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Over an eight-year NFL career spanning 106 games, Jones played for the Cowboys (2004-07), Dolphins (2008-09, 2011), Broncos (2010), and Patriots (2011). He tallied three interceptions and six sacks during his time in the league.
Jones’ transition from NFL player to official clearly showed his commitment to the game, proving invaluable in moments like Monday night’s intense confrontation.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/21/sports/nfl-referee-steps-in-to-protect-seahawks-jaxon-smith-njigba-in-wild-mnf-brawl-scene/
Denver Broncos lose star player
The Denver Broncos managed to stay atop the AFC West with an amazing comeback victory over the New York Giants. The Giants held a commanding 19-0 lead at the start of the fourth quarter, but Denver rallied to secure a thrilling 33-32 win. The Broncos overcame some rather questionable calls against their defense during New York’s final possession before kicking the go-ahead field goal.
However, the victory wasn’t enough to satisfy one Broncos player, who was reportedly frustrated by what he deemed egregious officiating.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Broncos linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been suspended without pay for one game due to unsportsmanlike conduct following Sunday’s game against the Giants. Schefter explained the reason behind the suspension:
“After the conclusion of the Giants-Broncos game, the NFL said Dre Greenlaw chased after referee Brad Allen and verbally threatened him as he tried to leave the field.”
The news sparked reactions from NFL fans across social media. One fan commented on Twitter, “That’s a serious accusation if true. Greenlaw might be facing more than just a fine. The league’s been cracking down on player-official confrontations, and this one could set an example for how far the NFL’s willing to go to protect refs.”
Another user weighed in, taking a different stance: “That ref is a punk. I’ll never forget the Bears-Steelers game on Monday Night Football when he threw a flag for something he initiated. One of the more bizarre things I’ve ever seen watching football.”
Others showed support for Greenlaw online, with one fan stating, “Willing to donate to his GoFundMe. Dre was speaking on behalf of the entire stadium.”
It remains to be seen if the NFL will impose further penalties on Dre Greenlaw to set a precedent. This incident highlights the league’s ongoing efforts to balance respect for officials with player emotions in high-stakes moments.
https://thecomeback.com/nfl/denver-broncos-dre-greenlaw-suspended-without-pay.html