NFL fines Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. for facemask on Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba that sparked sideline fight
Smith-Njigba was also fined for unsportsmanlike conduct, after dunking the ball in a touchdown celebration earlier in the game.
- Sports

Smith-Njigba was also fined for unsportsmanlike conduct, after dunking the ball in a touchdown celebration earlier in the game.

The National Football League has issued fines to two players following events that occurred during a recent game between teams from Seattle and Houston. The game concluded with a victory for the Seattle team, which maintained its competitive position within the division standings. Both fined actions were reviewed under league policies governing player conduct, with penalties determined according to established guidelines for first-time offenses.
One fine was assigned to a defensive back from the Houston team after an incident during a fourth-quarter interception return. Video footage shows the player making contact with the face mask of a Seattle wide receiver, resulting in the removal of the receiver’s helmet. Officials called a penalty for unnecessary roughness at the time of the play. According to publicly available league records, the fine amounted to $11,593, which aligns with standard penalties for this type of infraction on a first offense. No further disciplinary action was taken against the player beyond the financial penalty.
Following the play, the Seattle wide receiver pushed the Houston player near the sideline, prompting several players from both teams to gather in the bench area. Officials intervened to separate the players, with one official’s actions being shared widely online. The footage highlights the official’s role in managing the interaction without escalation. The league did not issue additional fines related to this exchange.
In a separate event during the first quarter, the same Seattle wide receiver threw the football over the crossbar of the goalpost structure after scoring a touchdown on an 11-yard reception. The league assessed a $14,491 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct, citing rules regarding extended celebrations and the use of field structures. This amount is consistent with penalties for similar first-time violations under current regulations.
The game included multiple turnovers that influenced momentum shifts. The Seattle team briefly lost a lead but later regained control to secure the win. These plays contributed to the final outcome and were part of broader strategic developments throughout the contest.
This season, the league has applied conduct-related rules across multiple teams and games. Players have received fines for actions including excessive celebrations, gestures, and taunting, all evaluated under standardized policy frameworks. Penalties are determined based on the nature of the action, whether it is a repeat offense, and alignment with published benchmarks.
The incidents reflect ongoing league efforts to regulate on-field behavior while allowing for player expression within defined boundaries. Enforcement decisions are typically made after post-game review and communicated through official channels, with no public commentary provided by disciplinary personnel. Policies aim to support consistency, sportsmanship, and player safety across all matchups.
Scott Pianowski plays traffic cop to help you with start/sit fantasy football lineup decisions for Week 8.