Lions' Dominic Raiola: Stomping Bears player was 'unintentional'
Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola said his stomp on Chicago Bears defensive tackle Ego Ferguson’s ankle was "totally unintentional.”
During the third quarter of the Lions’ 20-14 victory over the Bears on Sunday, Raiola was seen on replays stepping on Ferguson’s right ankle. Raiola said that he did not see Ferguson on the ground after a 4-yard gain by Lions running back Joique Bell.
Raiola was not penalized on the play and said he apologized after the game.
"We're out there trying to score a touchdown. I'm not going to put myself in position to get a 15-yarder. Come on, now," Raiola said, according to the Detroit News. "I knew I was stumbling. Me and (left guard) Rob (Sims) had a combination block. I remember exactly what happened. I was stumbling through.”
Ferguson disagreed with Raiola’s assessment of the play.
“We all saw the play," Ferguson said. "You can't take back what happened with that play, you know what I mean? We all saw the play, so that's the end of that."
The NFL could take a look at the play and possibly fine or suspend Raiola. Raiola was fined $10,000 after punching New England Patriots defensive lineman Zach Moore in a Week 12 loss.
The Lions play the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Detroit wins the NFC North with a win or tie and a loss drops them to the Wild Card.
- Scooby Axson
