What Is the NFL Fine for Throwing Ball Into the Stands? Buccaneers’ Rachaad White Risks Punishment vs Chiefs
The temperature is soaring. With each game, rival teams are brewing a desire to defeat the Chiefs. No one has succeeded till week 9. The week 10 matchup against the Buccaneers was a test of patience. The game was intense. RB Rachaad White even broke the rules.
While the Chiefs took the lead in the first quarter by a field goal, the Bucs made a comeback in the 2nd quarter with a touchdown by White. In a state of ecstasy, he threw the ball into the stands. However, he risked a fine. According to the NFL website, the running back broke the ‘Sportsmanship’ code of conduct. The fine for a first-time offense of this type is $7,878. If a player commits it a second time, the fine goes up to $13,506.
The league has a stringent guideline mechanism for such antics. The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was formed in 2020 with all the details to include any possible offense with their fines and punishments. One amusing fact remains the 3% increase in penalties yearly as per the CBA’s base for inflation. So Rachaad White would have to lighten up his purse for getting too pleasant after scoring.
The reason behind a fine for throwing the ball into the stands is about the crowd’s safety. Whenever a player throws the ball, it could result in fights among the fans. Here’s an interesting fact. The fans couldn’t keep the ball if a player threw it at them. The ball could be kept only if a player hands it over.
There’s a procedure to appeal against the fine as well. Let’s check out that process of the NFL.
Rachaad White has the option to appeal to avoid the fine
The league has an extensive process for the fine. Notably, the officials report any such violations to the Football Operations compliance team by the officials or the NFL Officiating Department. A letter then informs the player about it and everything comes into the spotlight, including the violation and the fine amount. But it’s not a one-way process.
If someone doesn’t want to pay the fine, they can also appeal against it. The NFL then schedules a hearing with an appeals officer. They appoint a random officer so no one can take advantage of the process. Rachaad White was clearly caught throwing the ball. Hence, he might not appeal and pay it off.
Sometimes, it becomes hard to contain feelings. The players love the game as it’s in their breath. However, the league understands that safety is paramount. It would be interesting how would they deal with the running back’s violation.
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