the NFL handed down punishment to Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell for a hit on Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and the five-figure fine is now drawing some criticism.
The league on November 4 announced a $14,871 fine for the rookie linebacker for a roughing the passer penalty on a fourth-quarter hit when he went low on Garoppolo. Replay showed that Campbell was tripped as he rushed the quarterback, sending him to the turf where he made contact with Garoppolo just below the knee.
The fine led to pushback online, with some claiming that there was no way Campbell could have avoided the low hit.
Jack Campbell’s Fine Draws Controversy
Campbell’s fine led to some sharp criticism, with some saying the league has gone too far in the name of safety and protecting the quarterback.
“The NFL keeps stealing money from players ESPECIALLY from the ones that don’t make that much to begin with,” one fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I’m a Raiders fan & don’t believe he should be fined for that. Smdh”
“The offensive lineman tripped him… most humans when tripped fall… lol how is this even a penalty or a fine,” another fan wrote. “I get it the refs missed the trip and called the penalty but a fine?? crazy”
