The Dolphins may say pass rusher Olivier Vernon isn’t dirty, but the NFL thinks two hits he put on Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota on Sunday were flagrantly illegal.
The NFL has confirmed that Vernon was fined $37,363 for two roughing the passer infractions. The NFL fined Vernon $17,363 for striking Mariota in the knee area in the second quarter of Sunday’s game, and $20,000 for striking Mariota in the head and neck area in the third quarter.
Interestingly, the heavier fine comes for the hit that didn’t injure Mariota: Although Mariota will miss this week’s game with the knee injury that he suffered when Vernon hit him, that hit is the one that is costing Vernon $17,363. The NFL apparently fined Vernon more for the second hit because the NFL places a particular emphasis on avoiding hits to the head.
Vernon has said he will appeal the fines, but it’s hard to believe he’ll win the appeal. He committed textbook violations of the roughing the passer rules.