NFL fines Matt Slauson $10K for block on Brian Cushing
It appears as though the block that knocked out Texans linebacker Brian Cushing for the year with a torn ACL was illegal. At least in the collective mind of the NFL's disciplinarians.
Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reports the league has fined Jets guard Matt Slauson $10,000 for an illegal peel back block.
As always, here's the GIF version of the injury.
“I wasn't trying to hurt him, obviously. I must have cut him by surprise,” Slauson told reporters said earlier this week. "I don't know why this is a big deal ... I feel bad Cushing got hurt. That wasn't my intent at all."
Earlier in the day, Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips said this about the block: “I probably shouldn't say it, but I thought it was an unnecessary [hit]. Whether it was legal or not ... I think it's just unnecessary to hit a defensive player when he can't see you. If a guy's coming in front and cuts me, he can see that and maybe get away from it. I think the league needs to look at something like that. He was defenseless in that case. If the guy had hit him in the head, it would have been a penalty.”
According to reports, Slauson, who was not flagged on the play, plans to appeal the fine.
For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Josh Katzowitz on Twitter here: @joshkatzowitz.
