The NFL on Monday fined Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson $40,000 for his hit on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
In addition, Merton Hanks, the NFL’s vice president of football operations, told Robinson that as a repeat offender “future offenses will result in an escalation of fines up to and including suspension.”
Robinson was penalized for personal foul on the play, which occurred during the Falcons’ 35-31 victory Sunday night. Last season, a Robinson hit on the Eagles’ DeSean Jackson gave both players concussions in a bang-bang play at Philadelphia that kept both players out for several weeks.
In his ruling, Hanks said that Robinson made “forcible” contact with his helmet to Maclin’s head and neck area and that Maclin was a defenseless player under the league’s Rule 12, which governs players in a defenseless posture.
Players are handed a fine schedule during the preseason, and $40,000 is the amount prescribed for a second offense. Robinson can appeal the ruling.
After Sunday’s game, Jackson said of Robinson, “I guess that’s what type of player he is. He goes for the kill shot and things like that.”
After his hit on Jackson last season, Robinson was fined $50,000 by the league, but he appealed and the fine was reduced to $25,000. Robinson on Monday disputed the notion he’s a dirty player and also said he did not feel vindicated by the reduction in last year’s fine.
