We figured the NFL would punish Dunta Robinson for his hit on Jeremy Maclin, but we didn't realize it would come this quickly. Less than 24 hours after the Falcons cornerback lowered his head and connected with a brutal helmet-to-helmet blow, NFL Vice President of Football Operations Merton Hanks announced a $40,000 fine.
Dunta Robinson Fined $40,000 By NFL For Hit On Jeremy Maclin
The NFL detailed exactly what Robinson did wrong in its release:
In the third quarter of Atlanta’s game against Philadelphia, Robinson violated Rule 12, Section 2, Article 9 (a) (2) of the NFL Official Playing Rules, which states:
“It is a foul if a player initiates unnecessary contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture.
(a) Players in a defenseless posture are…(2) A receiver attempting to catch a pass; or who has completed a catch and has not had time to protect himself or has not clearly become a runner.”
On the play, Robinson lowered his head and made forcible contact to the head and neck area of Philadelphia wide receiver JEREMY MACLIN. Although Maclin completed the catch, he was still a defenseless player under the rule because he did not have time to protect himself and had not clearly become a runner.
Robinson was fined $50,000 following a similar hit against Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson last year, although after an appeal the punishment was reduced to $25,000. He's now considered a repeat offender of the league's player safety rules, which hurts his chance for another appeal and doesn't help his argument when he says he's not known to be a dirty player.
Hanks instructed Robinson that additional infractions will result in even greater fines -- and potentially, suspensions.
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