Chicago Bears rookie offensive lineman Darnell Wright was recently handed a five-figure fine by the NFL. According to Spotrac, Wright received a fine of $21,180 for Impermissible Use of the Helmet in a play in Chicago’s Week 6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
This hefty fine is the consequence of the NFL’s focus on player safety and their attempts to reduce injuries by penalizing any behavior that puts players at risk. Although the Bears rookie wasn’t flagged for the play in question, the NFL still felt that Wright had violated the rules.
The play in question occurred early in the fourth quarter when Wright was trying to make a block against a Minnesota defender. As the defender tried to make a tackle, Wright’s helmet came into contact with the defender’s right shoulder, resulting in the fine.
The NFL has been very clear about their stance on helmet-to-helmet contact, and this latest fine serves as a reminder that any form of such contact will be strictly penalized. In a similar incident, Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive back Bashaud Breeland was also fined for an illegal hit with his helmet.
Despite the hefty fine, Wright is still expected to keep playing and remain a contributor for the Bears. He has already started three games for the team this season and has been an important part of the Bears’ offensive line.
Despite the fine, Wright is still well-respected by his teammates and his coaches. Bears offensive line coach Juan Castillo has praised Wright for his physicality, saying that he “plays with tremendous passion and energy” and that he has “been a great addition to the team.”
The fine on Wright serves as a reminder that the NFL is serious about player safety and they will not hesitate to penalize any players who are reckless in their behavior. The league has been much more proactive in policing player safety and punishing players who put their teammates in danger.
In the end, Wright’s fine is a valuable lesson for all players to be aware of the rules and to be mindful of how they approach their opponents on the field. Players should take care to analyze the rules and make sure that their behavior is within the bounds of the NFL’s rules and regulations.
The Bears rookie will now have to pay the fine and hopefully learn from his mistake. He can take comfort in the fact that he is still highly valued by his teammates and his coaches, and he will still remain an important part of the team this season.
The NFL’s focus on player safety is a positive step towards ensuring that the game remains safe for everyone. Although the fine may seem harsh, it is a necessary reminder for all players to keep their helmets in check and to be mindful of their approach.
Overall, Bears rookie Darnell Wright received a hefty fine for a play that may have gone unnoticed by the referees. The NFL, however, opted to take action and issued a five-figure fine for the play. Wright’s fine serves as a valuable lesson for all players to be aware of the rules and to be mindful of their behavior on the field.