Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has been fined $26,739 for unnecessary roughness in the team’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday. The incident occurred in the second quarter when Elliott lowered his helmet and made contact with Buccaneers safety Andrew Adams. The NFL deemed the hit to be a violation of the league’s rule against leading with the helmet.
This is not the first time Elliott has been fined this season. In November, he was fined $13,369 for unsportsmanlike conduct after he celebrated a touchdown by jumping into a giant Salvation Army kettle. The NFL has been cracking down on excessive celebrations and has fined several players this season for similar infractions.
Despite the fines, Elliott has been having a strong season for the Cowboys. He currently leads the league in rushing yards with 1,434 and has scored six touchdowns. The Cowboys are currently in a tight race for a playoff spot and will need Elliott to continue his strong play if they hope to make it to the postseason.
Elliott’s fine comes at a time when the NFL is facing increased scrutiny over player safety. The league has been criticized for not doing enough to protect players from head injuries and has faced numerous lawsuits from former players who claim the league did not properly inform them of the risks associated with playing football.
The Cowboys have not commented on Elliott’s fine, but it is likely that they will support their star running back. Elliott has been a key part of the team’s success this season and the Cowboys will need him to be at his best if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
In addition to his on-field success, Elliott has also been involved in several off-field controversies throughout his career. He was suspended for six games last season after the NFL found evidence of domestic violence allegations against him. Elliott has maintained his innocence and has said that he will continue to fight to clear his name.
Despite the controversies, Elliott remains a popular figure among Cowboys fans. His jersey is one of the top sellers in the league and he has a large following on social media. Cowboys fans will be hoping that Elliott can put the distractions behind him and focus on helping the team win games as they make a push for the playoffs.
