Fansided

Lions’ Dominic Raiola Will Not Be Fined For Actions Against Patriots

By CM Towle

facebooktwitterreddit

Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola will reportedly  not be fined by the NFL for his actions during the game between the Lions and New England Patriots.

More from Detroit Lions

Lions center Dominic Raiola decided to cut-block Patriots defensive tackle Zach Moore as the Lions were kneeling down to end a 34-9 loss to the Patriots. He then said after the game that the decision was largely retaliatory on his part. He was quoted in a story by Bleacher Report as saying the following:

"“I cut him,” Raiola said. “We took a knee, so I cut the nose [tackle]. They went for six [a touchdown]. They went for a touchdown at two minutes. They could have took three knees and the game could have been over. It’s football. He wants to keep playing football, let’s play football. Not a big deal. It’s football.”"

It was reported after the game that the play would be reviewed by the NFL in the normal review procedure for a possible fine, but not a suspension. However, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that Raiola will not be fined for his actions.

Lions coach Jim Caldwell also affirmed that the team did not intend to discipline Raiola.

"“He and I talked, we addressed the issue. What we talked about is a private matter, he knows how we like to do things around here,” Caldwell said. “That’s the end of story.”"

The Patriots, unsurprisingly, were not amused by Raiola’s actions. Coach Bill Bellichick said Raiola was frustrated because he’s never beaten the Patriots, and Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork called Raiola’s actions “stupid.”

The block itself obviously wasn’t illegal, but the fact that Raiola did it during a kneel-down and then admitted afterwards it was a retaliatory thing probably should have been taken into consideration by the NFL.

More from FanSided

Home/Detroit Lions