The NFL announces fines for player violations in Week 16. One Arizona Cardinals player, linebacker Kyzir White, received a fine for a play in which he was not penalized. Another player flagged for a penalty that most felt was a terrible call, was vindicated.
Rookie linebacker Xavier Thomas, flagged for roughing the passer in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers, was not fined. Had the league believed it was a penalty-worthy play, Thomas would have been fined.
The penalty set up the Panthers’ first touchdown in their 36-30 overtime win over the Cardinals. It was a critical play.
With 5:07 left in the first quarter, Carolina had a third-and-goal from the eight. Thomas’ hit quarterback Bryce Young, who threw the ball away incomplete, would have forced a field-goal attempt.
The officials called him for putting all his body weight on Young, although it appeared to be clear that he hit him and moved off of Young to the side.
The play-by-play announcers believed it was a bad call and FOX rules analyst Dean Blandino agreed.
The Panthers scored a touchdown on the next play, making the score 7-0 rather than potentially 3-0.
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