Steelers linebacker faces significant fine for controversial hit
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen is reeling from a substantial financial blow in the aftermath of his team’s Week 2 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks. The NFL has imposed a fine of $17,389 on Queen, marking it as one of the top penalties issued during the recent slate of games.
The Incident
The incident in question occurred in the first quarter when Queen delivered a hit to Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. As Darnold was in the process of throwing a pass, Queen struck him high in the face and neck area. This aggressive play did not go unnoticed, as it led to a significant penalty against the Steelers.
Darnold managed to complete the pass to rookie wide receiver Tory Horton, which resulted in the Seahawks taking a 7-0 lead early on. The fine reflects the league’s ongoing commitment to player safety, particularly in protecting quarterbacks from high-impact hits.
Fine Breakdown
Queen’s fine is tied for the third-largest among the 19 penalties distributed for actions during the previous week. This hefty amount underscores the NFL’s stance on enforcing strict rules regarding hits to the head and neck area, especially considering the potential for serious injury.
As the Steelers regroup from their loss, Queen’s financial penalty serves as a stark reminder of the fine line players must navigate between aggressive play and adherence to league regulations. The linebacker will undoubtedly be looking to adjust his approach in future games to avoid further penalties.
