The NFL fined Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas and tight end Ben Sims for penalties or actions in Week 3 that fall under the league’s “gameday accountability” umbrella.
Douglas was fined $11,473 for unnecessary roughness in the second quarter of the Packers’ 18-17 win over the New Orleans Saints. Sims was fined $4,167 for unnecessary roughness, also in the second quarter. Neither player was penalized on the field but the NFL reviews every play for safety-related actions.
A review of the time stamps: Douglas went low and hit a blocker below the knees while outside the tackle box on a play that should have been penalized. Sims lowered his helmet and struck a Saints player during a run block, another penalty-worthy play.
The league did not fine Kenny Clark for an unnecessary roughness penalty in the first quarter.
In Week 3, the NFL fined players for actions or penalties on 34 plays.
This is the second time in three weeks that Douglas has been fined. Overall, the Packers have had players fined for actions four times entering Week 4.
The league is posting all fined penalties and actions from the previous week on Saturdays this season.
From the NFL: “Players subject to accountability measures receive a letter informing them of what they did, a video of the play in question, why they are being fined and how much it will cost them. They also receive information on how to appeal the fine. If they choose not to appeal, the fine is withheld from their next game check.”
All appeals are handled appeals officers James Thrash and Derrick Brooks, two former players appointed by the NFL and NFLPA. Fines are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation.
Packers Wire will track the on-field penalties and resulting fines in recurring posts each week.
Week 1: LB De’Vondre Campbell ($10,927), CB Rasul Douglas ($13,659)
Week 3: CB Rasul Douglas ($11,473), TE Ben Sims ($4,167)