Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith had one seriously expensive Sunday in Orchard Park last weekend, getting hit with a massive $35,822 in fines. The NFL didn’t miss a thing from his Week 8 efforts against the Buffalo Bills, even if the refs on the field did.
The Facemask Grab That Went Viral
Smith first got dinged for a cool $17,911 after a nasty facemask grab and tug on Bills quarterback Josh Allen. This wasn’t some minor brush, either. We’re talking during a touchdown sneak where Smith was observed grabbing Allen’s facemask, trying to pull him back, then pulling and twisting the helmet aggressively. Allen’s lid ended up completely backwards, with his head and neck reportedly turning almost a complete 180 degrees. The craziest part? No flag was thrown on the actual play. It was a move many fans spotted immediately, sparking a ton of chatter about whether the league would step in.
Defenseless Player Fine Adds Up
But wait, there’s more. Smith wasn’t done for the day. He picked up another $17,911 fine, this time for unsportsmanlike conduct, specifically a hit on a defenseless player. According to Sal Capaccio of WGR 550, this play involved Smith hitting wide receiver DJ Moore as Moore was “going across the middle in the 1st quarter as the ball was thrown elsewhere.” So, two plays, two significant fines, and a whole lot of questions about discipline for a player who, let’s be honest, has a reputation as a highly decorated defensive mercenary.
Even after all that, Smith managed to dodge a suspension despite what many considered a “pattern of concern,” playing in Thursday Night Football for Week 9 just a few days ago. While he might be on the field, his wallet definitely took a “huge hit where it hurts,” especially when you consider that $35,822 is a decent chunk out of his typical $1,176,470.59 per game pay in 2026. This isn’t just about flags, it’s about the cold, hard cash consequences when the league decides to step in.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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