Davante Adams fined for abusive language towards NFL Official

Davante Adams has been handed a suspension for using abusive language toward an NFL referee.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams has been slapped with a hefty $29,785 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct toward an NFL official in the Week 11 game against the Denver Broncos. Adams was upset about a no-call for a hit from Broncos free safety, Justin Simmons.

On the particular play, Simmons made contact with Adams’ head and neck area. Under the NFL rules, Adams would be deemed a defenseless receiver and a flag should have been thrown as Simmons led with the crown of his helmet. Simmons was later fined $15,914 for unnecessary roughness. Adams’ use of abusive language toward an official landed him the fine.

NFL brought down strict standards against Davante Adams

The NFL is scrict when it comes to players and their actions towards officials, as these fines are the heftiest. According to NFL Operations, the first offense of a verbal or non-physical offense against an official results in a $29,785 fine with the second offense being much more at $59,575.

The fines for player safety and/or flagrant personal fouls are much less. As Simmons’ offense was his first, he was fined just $15,914. If a player uses their helmet, spears or launches, they will be fined $21,218 (first offense) and $42,436 (second offense). This is the highest a player could be fined for a personal foul.

This is not the first time this season that Adams’ actions have cost him. After the Week 5 game, in which the Raiders lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, Adams shoved cameraman Ryan Zebley to the ground while exiting the field. Adams later apologized to Zebley and claimed that frustration over the way the game had ended caused him to react carelessly.

Zebley was hospitalized for his injuries and pressed charges through the Kansas City Police Department. Adams was later charged with misdemeanor assault. It was explained later that Adams was charged with a city ordinance violation, which carried a fine of $250 to $1,000 or up to 180 days in jail.

Although the Raiders are having a subpar season, Davante Adams has not let the drama surrounding him affect his productivity. Amongst all other league receivers, Adams has 925 receiving yards, 4th overall, and 10 touchdowns, 2nd overall.

He looks to add to his stats as the 3-7 Raiders take on the 6-4 Seattle Seahawks in Week 12.