NFL

NFL fines Rams' Matthew Stafford's teammate for controversial action against Vikings' Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold starred in a controversial play that resulted in a fine for a teammate of quarterback Matthew Stafford in the Los Angeles Rams' win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season.

Sam Darnold, quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings
Ā© David Berding/Getty ImagesSam Darnold, quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings

Los Angeles Rams earned a 30-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings last week 8 of the 2024 NFL season in a big game that included a controversial action in which a teammate of quarterback Matthew Stafford was fined for a hit on quarterback Sam Darnold.

The Rams are now 3-4 and on their way to recovering from their negative record in the league. However, last week’s victory does not overshadow the fact that the NFL has announced the sanction imposed on a key player of the team led by quarterback Stafford.

As reported by NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, the Rams player fined by the NFL is none other than linebacker Byron Young, who grabbed quarterback Darnold’s facemask last Thursday night. Stafford’s teammate was fined $7,014.19 for the infraction.

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The action was controversial because no flag was thrown, and the resulting safety sealed the victory for the Rams. At the time, the Vikings trailed by eight points with less than two minutes remaining. The play should have resulted in a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down for the Minnesota franchise.

Byron Young of the Los Angeles Rams

Byron Young of the Los Angeles Rams

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The referees explained the play

The officials explained why they did not call the penalty in the Vikings’ favor. Their version of events indicates that they did not have a clear view of an apparent facemask grab on Vikings quarterback Darnold. Because they were visually blocked, the referees failed to call what the cameras saw.

NFL News: Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell sends an unusual praise for QB Sam Darnold's rookie teammate

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Sam Darnold had spoken out about the controversial play

As Vikings quarterback, Darnold shared his thoughts on the Minnesota franchise’s second straight loss. ā€œThe mask is what it is, but we have to be consistent in the attack. I thought we could have done a lot to not put ourselves in the situation we were in,ā€ the 27-year-old player said.

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