Why did Xavier McKinney get NFLâs biggest Week 12 fine?
The NFL has fined New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney $13,659, the league announced on Saturday – the largest of the nine fines levied for transgressions in Week 12 games.
McKinney was fined for an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty that he incurred with three seconds remaining in the Giants’ 10-7 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. The former Alabama defensive back was penalized for taking off his helmet on the field after New England kicker Chad Ryland missed a 35-yard field-goal attempt with three seconds to play.
Two other players with Alabama football roots appear on the NFL fine list for Week 12:
· Atlanta Falcons safety DeMarcco Hellams also was fined for unsportsmanlike conduct, but the former Alabama defensive back was not penalized during the game. The NFL cited Hellams’ actions on a 92-yard interception return by teammate Jessie Bates in Atlanta’s 24-15 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday for his $4,314 fine.
· Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams from Lee-Montgomery received a $7,859 fine for unnecessary roughness. A face-mask penalty from the Cowboys’ 45-10 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday drew the fine.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.