In a predictable development, the NFL reached into the bank account of Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates due to a hit he delivered during a Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the league fined Bates $28,075 for a hit on Rams wideout Brandin Cooks.
The hit Bates delivered on a quick-hitting play knocked Cooks from the game. Cooks, who has a history of concussions, is now seeking the help of specialists.
It is impossible to judge intent on plays like this so the league rules by what it sees. Cooks contorted his body mid-play, Bates came in, contact with the helmets and a subsequent injury finished the play.
We’ll see if there is an appeal process here but the nature of the play suggests it wouldn’t do much. This is Bates’ first big offense and he’s a cap hit of $1.1 million this year.
