$25k Fine Each, No Suspensions For Texans’ Johnson, Titans’ Finnegan

Written by JOSH Z / 11.29.10

The NFL made a stunning series of decisions regarding this Andre Johnson fight from yesterday. Both players reportedly will be punished equally, which is a surprise when one considers the reputation of the instigator–Tennessee cornerback Cortland Finnegan–and his overtly crass demonstration after his ejection from that game. But also, neither player will be suspended.

@Mortreport is reporting Andre Johnson and Cortland Finnegan each have been fined $25,000. Neither player will be suspended.

–@Adam_Schefter

That seems insanely low to me, and I openly question the logic of Merton Hanks and the guys making these decisions on the 17th floor at 280 Park. If you don’t want to suspend either guy during a division title run (especially with the Colts struggling in the AFC South), that’s fine. But how can you fine two different guys half of what you fined James Harrison, who was actually playing the game? Forget about the fight for a second; I don’t see how Finnegan’s antics after getting tossed didn’t warrant something extra from the 17th floor. Was that any better for the game than a defender trying to do his job? Considering Finnegan’s reputation, that might have been exactly what we were seeing.

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Andre Johnson Fights So He Can Feel

Written by JOSH Z / 11.29.10

Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson is one of the NFL’s more pleasant fellows, so it stands to reason that Tennessee Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan really pissed him off in their matchup on Sunday. Neither guy would fess up on how it all got started, but once it did, it was rather awesome.

Finnegan pushed up Johnson’s facemask, and the Texans’ wideout responded by aggressively ripping Finnegan’s helmet off by the facemask.

Johnson threw at least two punches to Finnegan’s head and neck before the cornerback tore off the receiver’s helmet in retaliation. Teammates and officials intervened, preventing both teams from turning the fisticuffs into a full-fledged melee.

–Nancy Gay/FOX Sports.

Johnson was tossed right away, and then Finnegan was soon after. Considering Herr Goodell’s swift brand of justice, it’s almost a forgone conclusion that Johnson will have to sit out Houston’s Thursday night game against Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Tennessee, meanwhile, might be without their 2008 Pro Bowler much longer, considering that he nearly turned an NFL game into an episode of “Jersey Shore.” All I could say to Roger Goodell is that, sir, nobody is starting Cortland Finnegan on his fantasy team… And honestly, the little sissy that turtled after acting like a tough guy all game is really the guy that should be suspended more.

Video of the skirmish is on the next page of this post.

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