NFL issues puzzling ruling on Joe Burrow facemask fine
The NFL made an unusual decision regarding a potential fine for Dallas Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau following his facemask on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow last Monday.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, no fine was issued to Liufau or any Cowboys player for the clear facemask on Burrow during the fourth quarter, which was also not flagged during the game.
Interestingly, safety Donovan Wilson was fined for a hip-drop tackle from the same game that went unpenalized, and Lions defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith received a fine for a hit to Packers quarterback Jordan Love’s facemask last Thursday, even though it wasn’t flagged either.
The NFL often imposes fines for facemask violations, even when missed on the field, making the lack of action in Burrow’s case particularly puzzling. Given the blatant nature of the foul, it’s unclear why the league chose not to discipline Liufau while addressing similar incidents from the same week.
The NFL has discussed the possibility of reviewing non-calls during games, but this still doesn’t explain why the Cowboys avoided any repercussions for such an obvious foul.
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