Denver Broncos safety P.J. Locke was fined $13,972 for unnecessary roughness in the team’s 30-24 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17, according to multiple reports.
Locke used his helmet when tackling Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki in the third quarter. The infraction was not penalized during the game, but the NFL handed down a fine after reviewing the film.
Elsewhere on the fine front, defensive lineman Malcolm Roach lost his appeal to have his fine for a “violent gesture” reduced. Roach says he was gesturing to show a seatbelt against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7. The NFL interpreted it as showing a gun, and the league upheld his $14,069 fine.
Locke ($41,916) has been the team’s most-fined player this season, followed by Roach ($36,579), safety Brandon Jones ($28,138), pass rusher Nik Bonitto ($17,582), Cooper ($12,668), cornerback Pat Surtain ($11,255), fullback Mike Burton ($7,653), center Luke Wattenberg ($5,872), tight end Lucas Krull ($5,083), running back Blake Watson ($4,463) and safety Devon Key ($4,417).
The money the league receives from fines is “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,” per the NFL.
