The Denver Broncos faced the Washington Commanders in a recent “Sunday Night Football” matchup, where a controversial play involving linebacker Nik Bonitto has drawn the NFL’s attention. Bonitto is a key contributor to the Broncos’ pass rush but now faces the possibility of a costly penalty following an altercation on the field.
Nik Bonitto’s Potential Fine and Penalty Details
During the game, Bonitto was flagged for unnecessary roughness. This penalty cost the Broncos eight yards, impacting a crucial first-and-15 situation for Washington. The Commanders leveraged this advantage and scored shortly after the penalty.
Critics, including Ryan Green from DNVR, questioned the call against Bonitto, stating, “I don’t see why Nik Bonitto is flagged here.” Mike Klis from 9News echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the penalty nullified a significant play by Broncos defensive end Zach Allen.
Previous Cases of Similar Penalties
- In 2017, former New England Patriots player Eric Rowe was fined $12,154 for a related incident.
- Current fines for unnecessary roughness can range from $14,491 to $20,288.
The NFL has established guidelines on player conduct. A notable rule states that a penalty can be called for aggressively pulling an opponent out of a pile. This was the basis for Bonitto’s flag, as he was involved in a play where Washington’s center, Tyler Biadasz, was affected while entangled with John Franklin-Myers.
Implications for Bonitto and the Broncos
Bonitto currently has a four-year contract worth $106 million, with over $38 million guaranteed. Should the NFL decide to impose a fine, it would represent a minor portion of his salary. Recent trends suggest the league may choose not to penalize Bonitto further, as seen in a recent instance involving Paris Johnson Jr. of the Arizona Cardinals.
In another twist, Washington’s left tackle, Laremy Tunsil, provoked Bonitto during the game. Despite clear misconduct, officials did not flag Tunsil for his actions, leading to further frustration among fans and analysts.
Current Team Penalty Status
Heading into Week 13, the Broncos ranked as the third-most penalized team in the NFL. Inconsistent officiating continues to be a topic of discussion among players and media alike, with analysts like Zac Stevens arguing that Tunsil should have received a penalty for his actions against Bonitto.
The NFL usually announces fines for infractions the following Saturday. This timing allows Bonitto and the Broncos some anticipation regarding the league’s decision. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Bonitto will face any financial repercussions for his actions on the field.
