After defeating the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, September 30, the Detroit Lions are feeling quite happy about themselves, especially given it was their first victory against Seattle since 2012. But, following that high, two Lions players are in a bit of trouble during this bye week, and they’re going to have to pay up to the NFL. The NFL fined defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike and wide receiver Jameson Williams for their on-field antics during the Lions vs. Seattle game.
“Gameday Accountability” for Levi Onwuzurike and Jameson Williams of the Lions
The NFL penalizes specific players every week for activities they took during the previous week’s game on the field. The NFL refers to this as “gameday accountability,” explaining that it and the NFL Players Association “have agreed on a set of game-related rule violations that may result in accountability measures” in order to “protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.” Throughout the entire NFL season, the previous week’s summary is made available every Saturday at 4 p.m. Eastern time.
Williams received a punishment from the NFL for failing to give the ball to the referee after collecting a 70-yard touchdown pass and instead slammed it against the crossbar. Naturally, Williams took this action as a way to honor Calvin Johnson, who used to do that frequently and attended the game to get his honors. The NFL apparently took offense with this tribute and fined him $14,069 for using a prop in an unsportsmanlike manner.
Onwuzurkie was additionally penalized by the NFL for an additional offense. Onwuzurike attacked Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith in the fourth quarter with his whole weight, which the NFL deemed to be roughing the passer. Because the hit involved the defensive tackle putting Smith’s whole weight on Smith—a move the NFL tries to discourage in order to protect quarterbacks—he was fined $13,849 for the hit.
Jameson Williams “Has Completed an Excellent Job of Rehabbing”
Notwithstanding the NFL punishment, Williams has improved this year. Counting his 70-yard score, he had two receptions for 80 yards as the Lions defeated the Seahawks 42-29. Williams is the only receiver in the league with three or more catches of more than fifty yards through the first four games of the season.
Following the Seahawks victory, head coach Dan Campbell responded to a question regarding Williams’ development this season by saying it’s been a team effort.
“A lot of people are involved in that,” he remarked. “By the way, everything begins with him initially. He’s done a fantastic job recovering and healing from the injury. Prior to that, he had to deal with the fallout from his gambling and time off, then he was hurt in camp.
“He’s just matured so much,” Campbell continued. “He’s worked and he’s grinded.” That speaks highly of him; he is approachable and coachable. There are tons of materials available here to support guys’ growth—not just as athletes but also as men.
The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys will play in Week 6 on October 13 at AT&T Stadium following the bye week.
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