ALAMEDA – The NFL and its rules police are at it again.
Does anyone remember a play in the Miami game where Warren Sapp committed an act that was worthy of a fine?
I don’t either, but the NFL saw it another way.
Sapp was fined $5,000 for what the NFL deemed an illegal hit on Miami quarterback Trent Green.
Sapp said he was cut block by Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown. Sapp still managed to get to Green around the knees and impact the play.
The league had a problem with Sapp hitting Green low, even though no penalty was called and Sapp didn’t dive at Green with intent to injure.
I vaguely remember the play and it’s not listed as a highlight in my notes because I don’t remember Sapp doing anything remotely illegal worth noting.
The NFL is out to protect quarterbacks. But what’s a defender to do?
If he’s knocked to the ground, must he stand upright before he’s allowed to touch the quarterback?
Sapp will appeal the fine.
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Special teams help could be on the way after this weekend’s bye.
Isaiah Ekejiuba began running this week. He said he’s can’t plant and cut like he wants to, but is getting better.
Ekejiuba was injured in the Raiders final exhibition game when he said a Seattle lineman grabbed his foot and twisted it and cracked a bone in his heel.
Ekejiuba is one of the Raiders best special teams players. When he gets back, maybe the kick and punt return games will produce.
-- Jason Jones
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