Amon-Ra St. Brown Reacts to Fine, Will Appeal
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has been praised for his physicality since entering the NFL in 2021.
The wideout is having another standout season, closing in on 1,000 receiving yards. Additionally, he's been a key piece in the team's run game, because of his willingness to participate as a blocker.
However, he was issued a fine by the league for a block thrown against the Chicago Bears in Week 11. He was hit with a $43,709 fine for the block, which equates to roughly five percent of his salary.
"It is what it is. It is a lot of money," the wideout stated. "I guess, you know, the way I block wasn't legal. They said it was forceful contact to the head, so I guess I've just got to do better."
The fine was issued as part of the NFL's efforts to keep players safer. St. Brown plans to appeal it, but acknowledged Thursday that he plans to make an effort to adjust to the rules currently in place.
"I mean, yeah, I think so. At the end of the day, I feel like there's only so much we can do as players," St. Brown explained. "I mean, we can speak up about it, but there's still rules that have to be followed in the game and we've got to try our best to follow those. But, I mean, I don't know, I feel like $43,000 for what I did was quite a lot. I'm gonna appeal it. We'll see how it goes."
The NFL has been very conscious of player safety in this way, issuing fines and even suspensions for illegally using helmets in blocks or tackles. As an offensive player, St. Brown isn't always on the delivering end of impactful hits.
"I'm on the offensive side of the ball, so I'm not complaining too much because we're the ones that take the hits," St. Brown said. "It's really rare that we get to deliver blows. If I was a defender, I would probably be saying, 'Yeah,' to you. But, as an offensive player, I don't mind it. I go across the middle, (and) they're trying to protect us. I don't mind it."
The wideout explained the future adjustments he plans to make going forward as a result.
"I think maybe just not lowering your head, I guess," St. Brown said. "Using your shoulder, just not making forceful contact with your head to his head or the other player's head. I kind of tend to block that way, so I need to figure some things out."
