Jon Bostic Fined $21K For Illegal Hit
Chicago Bears rookie linebacker Jon Bostic has been fined $21,000 for his hit on San Diego Chargers wide receiver Mike Willie.
During his hit, Bostic lowered his head and made forcible contact with the defenseless player’s body. The hit was in direct violation of the NFL’s new “crown of the helmet rule.”
Following the league’s decision, teammate Lance Briggs tweeted:
“Shaking my head moment. Nfl fines jon bostic 21k for his clean hit against the chargers.”
Briggs then added:
“Bostic’s hit illegal. Hit on Dustin Keller. Legal.”
Briggs was referring to Miami Dolphins tight end who suffered a season-ending knee injury on a low tackle by Houston Texans safety D.J. Swearinger.
Jon Bostic hit Mike Willie in the chest during a short pass on Thursday night. Bostic managed to knock the ball away from the receiver, and the pass was ruled incomplete. During the time of play, Bostic was not flagged on the play.
Bostic, who will earn a base salary of $405,000 during his 2013 rookie season, also received a signing bonus of $1,246,036. It looks like his first NFL season will now be $21,000 lighter.
Jon Bostic still has the option to appeal the fine with the NFL’s front office.
There will be plenty of focus on the young linebacker who took over the No. 1 position after D.J. Williams suffered a calf injury at training camp.
The NFL, in the meantime, continues to stand firmly behind new rules that make certain hits illegal in the hopes of avoiding injury and concussions, which have plagued the NFL.
Do you think Jon Bostic’s fine was deserved or an overreaching move by NFL officials?
