Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White received the highest fine of Week 8 for a play against the Detroit Lions on Monday night. White was fined $46,371 for unnecessary roughness, illegal use of the helmet against Lions safety Erick Hallett. There was no penalty called on the play, but the replay shows a clear violation. Take a look:
Per the NFL rulebook:
ARTICLE 10. IMPERMISSIBLE USE OF THE HELMET. It is a foul if a player:
(a) lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent; or
(b) uses any part of his helmet or facemask to butt or make forcible contact to an opponent
Note how the rulebook doesn’t differentiate between if the contact is initiated by an offensive or defensive player. Even though this is more commonly called against the defense, it technically goes both ways here.
If you’re wondering why the fine is so high, it’s for two reasons. For one, White is a repeat offender. In fact, he was fined $45,020 last year for a very similar play against the Las Vegas Raiders.
This year, for an impermissible use of the helmet, first offenders are fined $23,186 while a second—and subsequent—offenses are fined $46,371. Outside of fighting ($40,686 for first offense, $81,374 for second offense) and physical ($40,686/$81,374) or verbal assault of an official ($32,547/$65,100), illegal use of the helmet comes with the highest fine possible for game day infractions.
White was the only Bucs player fined for Tampa. The Lions received a single for for the game, as well. Defensive end Tyrus Wheat was fined $5,722 for an uncalled tripping infraction on a late sack in the game.
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