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Minnesota Vikings: Bower, Richardson win both appeals

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!

NFL: Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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.

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.