The Pittsburgh Steelers recently clashed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a preseason game. The match had its fair share of intensity and action. However, it was Kwon Alexander who found himself facing the brunt of the league’s disciplinary measures after a severe penalty. Apparently, the penalty was a result of an illegal hit by Alexander. It was deemed unacceptable by league standards and thus resulted in a financial penalty for the linebacker.
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As a matter of fact, this is not the first time that Kwon Alexander is facing such a consequence. Back in December 2021, around one and a half years ago, as part of the New Orleans Saints, he was fined $6264 for unsportsmanlike conduct. However, the recent fine signifies that the NFL has become more vigilant in such cases, as emphasized by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Fans Have A Different View On Kwon Alexander’s Fine
The reputation of Kwon Alexander as a hard-hitting player was on full display in the Steelers vs Buccaneers preseason game. However, this aggressive playstyle came with a steep cost for Alexander. The linebacker found himself on the receiving end of a hefty fine. During the game, Kwon’s hit on Chase Edmonds resulted in a fine of $43,709, as reported by NFL Media.
The NFL fined #Steelers LB Kwon Alexander $43,709 for unnecessary roughness in last week’s preseason game against Tampa Bay.
These types of hits with the head lowered are a point of emphasis this season. Alexander was fined for the same offense in 2022.pic.twitter.com/hY9en1qB4R
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 19, 2023
Initially, the play did not seem illegal. However, later the hit was determined dangerous and thus drew a flag for unnecessary roughness. Moreover, it was clear that Alexander led with his helmet, leading to helmet-to-helmet contact with Edmonds. However, fans were certainly not happy with the fine imposed on Kwon.
The NFL is so soft it’s not even funny
Kwon Alexander makes a clean hit, let me repeat that, CLEAN HIT, and he gets fined a shit ton of money 🤦 https://t.co/ZC44l6paF3
— Adam Q10 (@AdamQuraishi1) August 19, 2023
That brought more punch than all of Devin Bush’s tackles combined the last two years.
— The Last Baron (@utukenny) August 12, 2023
Enjoy him Steelers fans. You are going to love him. Us Jets fans were sad to see him not re-sign. This was last year. Best hit of the year for us. pic.twitter.com/FOnO43PUh7
— Q-ban Linx (@FloridaRepNY) August 12, 2023
Kwon Alexander is going to one of the biggest signings 🤞 #steelers
— matthew luciow (@Luciow1992) August 14, 2023
It’s quite clear that the fans, especially Pittsburgh Steelers, fans, are not liking the league’s decision to fine Kwon Alexander. However, what they do seem happy about is the fact that Kwon seems to be in great form and might prove to be a vital cog in the wheel for their team.
Kwon Alexander Has Been Fined Quite a Few Times in his Career
This recent fine on Kwon Alexander isn’t the first time when he is faced financial penalty for his actions on the field. The seasoned linebacker has been through his fair share of fines throughout his career. As per Spotrac, while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, back in 2015, Alexander was slapped with a $130,489 fine and a 4-game suspension. He was found guilty of violating NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Here’s my reaction to finding out Kwon Alexander is about to have a 4 game suspension dropped on him for PEDs. #Bucs pic.twitter.com/FqAxZPrkk7
— T.M. Powell (@tmpowellmedia) November 22, 2015
Post that, in 2019, when he was with the San Francisco 49ers, Alexander found himself being fined $28,075 for a hit on Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston. Moreover, during his time as a New Orleans Saints player, he was fined $6264 for unsportsmanlike conduct against Atlanta Falcons in 2021. Looks like his aggressive playing style comes with a cost attached.