The Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs clinched a thrilling 19-16 win over Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers in the Week 14 showdown.
The exciting matchup triggered a major debate among fans, analysts, and players. Three Chiefs players, including running back Isiah Pacheco, were fined a huge amount by the NFL due to “unnecessary roughness.”
This controversy even sparked a reaction from former Chiefs offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz.
Mitchell Schwartz Weighed In on Isiah Pacheco’s Fine Worth $45,020
With just six minutes left on the clock during the second quarter, Pacheco took a pass from Mahomes and preceded to run toward the Chargers defender with his helmet first.
The league announced that Pacheco would be fined $45,020 for the unnecessary roughness, almost 80% of his game income.
According to his rookie deal, Pacheco will take home $985,000, which is paid over 18 weeks, making his weekly salary around $54,722 per game — $45,020 will be taken away from him over the Week 14 play.
Reacting to the fine, Schwartz gave his two cents on the situation.
Resharing the play’s clip on his X account, Schwartz wrote, “On THIS play?!? What is the league doing man that’s nuts and straight up robbery.”
On THIS play?!? What is the league doing man that’s nuts and straight up robbery https://t.co/EVMfGlzJXC
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) December 15, 2024
Other than Pacheco, Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith was also fined $18,881 for a similar head-butting incident during the last quarter of the game, along with JuJu Smith-Schuster, who got a $6,722 fine for a helmet clash during the first half of the game.
NFL fans also expressed frustration over the massive fine faced by the Chiefs players.
“Nothing wrong witt that. and only happened because the other team was the Chiefs. NFL protects them at all costs,” one fan said.
nothing wrong witht that. and only happened because the other team was the Chiefs. NFL protects them at all costs.
— James Lee Duke (@jamesleeduke) December 14, 2024
“How much was the defender fined for his egregious actions in this blatant act of unnecessary violence,” another fan sarcastically added.
Another fan added, “Obviously, someone in the office has it in for him. Running backs do that many times in every game.”
“Who are the staff members responsible for determining these ‘fouls’ and fine amount We need to unearth their names,” another fan demanded.
The Chiefs bagged a 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 15 and will now enter Week 16 with a 13-1 record to play against the Houston Texans.