The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New Orleans Saints 17-14 in Week 1 of the 2021 preseason. During the game, many young Baltimore players were out to prove that they deserve a spot on the team. One of those players was cornerback Chris Westry, who hoped to continue to build off of a strong start to training camp.
Westry finished Saturday night’s contest with two total tackles and two passes defended, one of which resulted in an interception by safety Geno Stone. However, the 6-foot-4 cornerback also picked up a taunting penalty for celebrating after New Orleans wide receiver Jake Lampman failed to haul in a pass in the middle of the third quarter. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Westry has been fined for unsportsmanlike conduct in relation to his penalty.
The NFL fined #Colts RB Benny LeMay, #Ravens CB Chris Westry and #Saints DT Jalen Dalton $3,667 each for unsportsmanlike conduct after each received taunting penalties last week.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 21, 2021
The NFL’s new taunting policy has gotten a massive amount of backlash, but the league has made it clear that they will be cracking down on unsportsmanlike acts. Westry’s penalty most likely shouldn’t have been classified as taunting, and to fine him for his act seems a bit excessive. However, this will be the way that the game is governed for now, so players will have to act accordingly in order to not cost their team 15 yards on game day.