Support Grows for Amon-Ra St. Brown After Fine by NFL

The response to the NFL fining Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has brought attention to a pressing issue that the league must address in the near future. Following the release of the play on NFL media’s online platform, supporters and former players expressed frustration on social media, highlighting the concern that players are being penalized with significant fines for actions that officials don’t even call as penalties during games.

While it is reasonable for the league to prioritize player safety, there is growing discontent among fans and former players when fundamental aspects of the game, such as blocking, are strictly regulated. This has led to a perception that the game is deviating from the physical nature that fans and players grew up watching and appreciating.

Former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt took to social media on Sunday morning to share his reaction to the perplexing fine imposed on Detroit’s talented wide receiver. Watt posted, “Here we go again. General rule of thumb: If you have to watch the video multiple times to try figuring out which person did something wrong and you still can’t figure it out, we probably shouldn’t be taking $43,709 from someone. This. Is. Stealing. Money.”

St. Brown, responding to being handed the highest fine of the week, expressed his dismay by posting, “Almost 5% of my salary. I’m hurting.” Despite facing this setback, the popular wideout currently ranks fifth in total yards by a receiver this season. After 11 games, St. Brown has an impressive record of 82 receptions for 993 yards and five touchdowns. Notably, he trails Tyreek Hill (1,324), CeeDee Lamb (1,066), A.J. Brown (1,013), and Keenan Allen (1,011) in total yards among receivers.

Given the nature of the contact between St. Brown and a Chicago Bears defender, which did not seem severe enough to risk injury, the Detroit receiver has the opportunity to appeal his fine and should seriously consider doing so.

The Lions will be on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at 1pm.