NEW YORK (AP) — New Orleans Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata has been fined $40,108 by the NFL for two roughing-the-passer calls in the team’s season opener.
Onyemata was docked $20,054 Friday for each of the penalties Sunday in the Saints’ 48-40 loss to Tampa Bay.
The first came in the third quarter on an incomplete pass by Ryan Fitzpatrick, when Onyemata violated the new rule requiring defensive players to avoid putting their full weight on quarterbacks. The second occurred during a 36-yard touchdown catch by DeSean Jackson in the fourth quarter when Onyemata made contact with Fitzpatrick’s helmet.
Onyemata was one of several players fined $20,054 for roughing the passer in the league’s opening weekend, joining the Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald, Minnesota’s Sheldon Richardson, Atlanta’s Grady Jarrett and Dallas’ DeMarcus Lawrence.
New England safety Duron Harmon was fined $26,739 for his hit on Houston wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, which drew a flag for unnecessary roughness.
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