The NFL has fined Steelers safety Ryan Clark $10,000 for a late, helmet-to-helmet hit he put on New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski last Sunday, Oct. 30. Pittsburgh won, 25-17, and claimed the AFC North lead. As Behind the Steel Curtain points out, the fine brings Pittsburgh's total for the season to an astounding $142,500 through eight games.
The news isn't all bad for Pittsburgh, however. Offensive lineman Chris Kemoeatu did not receive a fine for the illegal hands to the face penalty he drew against the Patriots. BtSC's Neal Coolong takes issue with the NFL's inconsistent enforcement of fines when it pertains to personal fouls, as in Kemoeatu's case. Coolong explains:
It seems strange a hands-to-the-face penalty - which carries with it a charge of 15 yards in the game - merits a post-game fine as well. However, if it merited a $10,000 fine in Week 7, why isn't the same player called for it in Week 7 fined for doing it again in Week 8?
The NFL is as big a headache for its fans as it is for its players. Fortunately, the fans don't have to pay the fines as well.