The reaction to Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown being fined by the NFL has highlighted a growing issue the league needs to address immediately.
After viewing the play posted by NFL media online, supporters and former players took to social media to express frustration regarding players losing hefty sums of money for plays that do not even get called as penalties by officials.
It is understandable the league wants to protect players, but when fundamental aspects of the game, including blocking, are regulated strictly, fans and former players become frustrated the game no longer resembles the physical sport they grew up watching.
Former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt took to social media Sunday morning to express his reaction to the head-scratching fine levied against Detroit's talented wideout.
"Here we go again. General rule of thumb: If you have to watch the video multiple times to try figuring out which person did something wrong and you still can't figure it out, we probably shouldn't be taking $43,709 from someone," Watt posted on social media. "This.Is.Stealing.Money."
St. Brown reacted to being assessed the highest fine this week by posting, "Almost 5% of my salary. I’m hurtingg."
The popular wideout is fifth in total yards by a receiver this season.
Through 11 games, St. Brown has recorded 82 receptions for 993 yards and five touchdowns.
Detroit's former fourth-round pick trails Tyreek Hill (1,324), CeeDee Lamb (1,066), A.J. Brown (1,013), and Keenan Allen (1,011).
St. Brown has an opportunity to appeal his fine and should consider it, as his contact with a Chicago Bears defender did not appear to be so drastic that an injury could have occurred.
