A Jacksonville Jaguars player was hit with another fine by the NFL this week, which has been sort of rubbing it in since Jags fans are convinced the officials are especially flag-happy when it comes to working a game with a team in teal and black.
And the latest was the biggest fine yet, and for a guy who was just happy in the moment.
Cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter was fined $14,926 for removing his helmet when he celebrated his first career interception against the Houston Texans on Oct. 18 during the Jags' 34-31 loss at London's Wembley Stadium. Hunter's interception came in the end zone to halt a Houston drive, just after he scored a touchdown on a pass from Trevor Lawrence to get the Jaguars' within three points.
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Lawrence guided the offense into position for a 60-yard field goal by Cam Little so Hunter's two big plays were a potential swing of 17 points. The Jags lost on Ka'imi Fairbairn's 49-yard field goal on the game's last play.
Hunter is the eighth Jaguars player to be fined by the NFL and the first to get fined even though a penalty was not called during the game. The fines total nearly $80,000.
Jaguars players fined by NFL this season
- Travis Hunter, $14,926 vs. Houston, removal of helmet
- Bryan Thomas Jr., $4,972 vs. Philadelphia, fight on first play
- Jarrian Jones, $8,201 vs. Cincinnati, face mask penalty
- Travon Walker, $11,941 vs. Cincinnati, taunting
- Arik Armstead, $11,941 vs. New England, unnecessary roughness
- Nate Boerkircher, $8,025 vs. New England, chop block
- Robert Hainsey, $6,750 vs. New England, unnecessary roughness, low block
- Antonio Johnson, $12,537 vs. New England, unnecessary roughness, striking/kicking/kneeing
What happens to the fine money?
Fines are deducted from the players' next game check, unless he appeals and wins.
According to the NFL, fines are donated 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."
The NFL said that nearly $4 million per year in fines has gone to those organizations since 2011.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter fined nearly $15K by NFL for removing helmet