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Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and defensive end Tashawn Bower both won their appeals on hits they both laid on quarterbacks earlier in the season, according to St. Paul Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson.
Richardson was fined $20,054 for his hit on 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo back during week one. He was given every dollar back. Someone’s feeling thankful on Thanksgiving.
#Vikings DT Sheldon Richardson said he has won his appeal for being fined $20,054 by the NFL for a Week 1 hit on San Francisco's Jimmy Garoppolo. "I got all my money back,’’ he said. “I’m thankful. It’s not Monopoly money they’re taking.’’
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) November 22, 2018
Same went for Bower, he was refunded $20,054. His hit came back in the preseason opener against the Broncos when he sacked quarterback Paxton Lynch. Bower was confused when he was fined because he didn’t receive a penalty on the hit. Bower allegedly hit Lynch in the head and neck area, but later discovered that Lynch ducked into Bower.
#Vikings Tashawn Bower said he has won his appeal for $20,054 fine for hitting Denver quarterback Paxton Lynch on sack in Aug 11 preseason opener. Bower wasn’t penalized on the play and was stunned at fine. “They said that I hit him in the head or neck area but he ducked into me"
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) November 22, 2018
This made me curious about the appeal process since it took Bower and Richardson about two to three months to get it overturned. Every play of every game is reviewed to make sure something didn’t happen that might have gotten missed, even if a flag wasn’t called. Bower’s fine makes sense, the league reviewed that play even without a flag on the play.
For people wondering where the money goes of players who are fined, the money is not given to the NFL, but programs related to former players. According to the NFL Operations website the two programs are:
“The Player Care Foundation is an independent organization dedicated to helping retired players improve their quality of life, provides programs and assistance with medical, emotional, financial, social and community issues.”
“The Gene Upshaw Players Assistance Trust assists former players who are facing financial hardship due to unforeseen crisis, unaffordable medical situations and helps those who wish to go back to school to finish their undergraduate degrees.”
Side note: I hope everyone enjoys their day with family, friends or maybe just with your good boy (aka Dog-o). Happy Thanksgiving and be safe everyone! Enjoy that Detroit, Chicago matchup and all the other games that are on today.