By Anne EricksonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe Seattle Seahawks have an 8-3 record heading into their Week 13 game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and they're in a comfortable No. 2 spot in the NFC West, only behind the 9-2 Los Angeles Rams.
Last weekend, quarterback Sam Darnold and the Seahawks pulled off an expected win over the struggling Tennessee Titans, 30-24, and to add insult to injury, one Titans player got slapped with punishment from the NFL for his actions during the game.
Each week during the NFL season, the league gives punishments in the form of fines to players who broke the league's rules the week before.
The NFL states on their website that they issue these fines "to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity." They also say that the NFL and NFL Players Association agree on the set of game-related rules violations that may result in accountability measures.
Read more: Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Sends Pre-Game Message to Vikings
...Read more: Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Doesn’t Hold Back About Sam Darnold
So on Saturday, the NFL slapped Titans linebacker Jihad Ward with a $7,806 fine for unnecessary roughness (striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing). It could have been worse, though. The week's biggest punishment went to Brian Branch of the Detroit Lions, who has to pay up $23,186 for an unnecessary roughness fine for a hit on a defenseless player.
But, it's for a good cause, because the funds raised from those fines will go to the Professional Athletes Foundation to "support legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game," according to the NFL.
"Players are notified of violations and may appeal any ruling," the NFL says in their official rules book. "Cases are heard by appeals officers and former NFL players, Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA. The decisions made are final and binding."
Next up, the Seahawks play the Minnesota Vikings, and the Titans take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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