Retired NFL star JJ Watt is not happy about a fine leveled against Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. On Sunday morning, he made his feelings known.
Warren was penalized for a block against Los Angeles Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht during Week 7’s game between the two teams.
On Saturday, Nick Farabaugh, who covers the Steelers for Steelersnow.com, tweeted out video of the play with the caption, “This play is what Jaylen Warren was fined $48, 556 for from the NFL.” On Sunday morning, Watt responded.
“This is literally stealing money from a guy,” Watt said. “I mean what are we doing here? I don’t care how much money you make, $48,556 is a LOT of money (it’s Jaylen Warren’s entire game check) and we’re taking it away from him for this? Really? This is horrendous.”
This is literally stealing money from a guy. I mean what are we doing here?
I don’t care how much money you make, $48,556 is a LOT of money (it’s Jaylen Warren’s entire game check) and we’re taking it away from him for this? Really?
This is horrendous. https://t.co/BjUzSaciWJ
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 29, 2023
In writing about the fine, Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk noted that “Warren did initiate contact with the crown of his helmet, which is against the rules, but the officials didn’t flag it and it didn’t look particularly egregious. Hoecht wasn’t injured.”
Others in the NFL world also seemed to agree with Watt’s take, as his commentary was well-received.
I love how J.J. has turned into us. Fan. Message Boarder. Blogger. The Media lol. But he was us the whole time, he just wasn't always in a position to say anything ahaha. Except when he was
https://t.co/mcXMAYADID — Stephanie Stradley (@StephStradley) October 29, 2023
The @NFLPA is gonna have to do something about all these outrageous fines! A lot of minimum dudes losing entire game checks is outrageous! https://t.co/ZhdAfAKVa6
— Saul Bookman (@Saul_Bookman) October 29, 2023
The most damning thing is that, if I didn't know who Jaylen Warren was and what position he played, it would take looking at this at least twice before picking out someone who's even in a conversation for a fineable offense https://t.co/wzigkpfqhN
— Sean Pendergast (@SeanTPendergast) October 29, 2023
Appreciate your support JJ. This is actually 1.5 game checks for him
Bc the fine amount is pre tax and players checks are taxed at the full rate. Jaylen was an undrafted free agent & this is a devastatingly massive amount for a player on a rookie minimum deal with no guarantees https://t.co/cqrOs1NVlC— David Canter (@davidcanter) October 29, 2023
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