In Sunday’s season opener against the Oakland Raiders, Cincinnati’s Adam “Pac Man” Jones was caught slamming rookie receiver Amari Cooper’s head onto his helmet. The incident happened during the tail end of a play which resulted in Cooper’s helmet being ripped from his head and then the altercation ensued.
The incident, which some consider a clear violation of rules, has garnered some pretty different reactions from others. Pacman Jones immediately stated that he was only playing football and that he “has to protect [himself] too.” As for Cooper, he says that he had no knowledge of his head even hitting the helmet and that he doesnt feel as though Pacman deserves a suspension.
Well the NFL apparently agrees to an extent as they did not suspend Jones, however they have opted for a fine. The $35,000 fine is one that Jones undoubtedly plans to appeal. “It’s way too much,” Jones said. “$35,000 is a lot of money for a guy out playing football. But it is what it is.” Jones continued, “I’ll appeal and if it gets appealed, hey [good]. If it doesn’t, I guess I donated to somebody’s college fund this year.”
It is unclear of exactly what set Jones off, though some have speculated that the incident may have stemmed from a “jab to the throat” from Cooper seconds prior.
