The NFL has fined five players for their involvement in a fight during the Los Angeles Chargers’ 22-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer and Raiders cornerback Jack Jones were both ejected from the game and fined for their roles in the altercation. Palmer was fined $11,255, while Jones received a fine of $5,472.
Additionally, Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and outside linebacker Maxx Crosby were each fined $11,255. Raiders safety Marcus Epps was fined the most, with a total of $11,817.
Fight After Two-Point Attempt
The fight broke out late in the fourth quarter after the Raiders stopped Chargers running back Gus Edwards on a two-point conversion attempt with 3:40 left in the game. Palmer ran to assist fellow wide receiver Ladd McConkey in blocking Raiders safety Marcus Epps. Jones then pursued Palmer, and the two got tangled outside the end zone. This scuffle led to other players joining in, sparking more separate fights.
Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston was among the first to step in and break up the fight between Palmer and Jones. However, Raiders outside linebacker Maxx Crosby pulled Johnston down by his collar, triggering another round of physical altercations.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and linebackers coach NaVorro Bowman eventually came onto the field to help calm the situation. Bowman even waved to the crowd to pump up the energy afterward.
Palmer Denies Punch
Palmer claimed after the game that Jones had punched him earlier, but no television or All-22 footage captured the alleged punch.
“I mean … it’s on video. I ain’t got to really say nothing about it,” Jones said Wednesday. “Y’all seen every angle. Every angle’s posted all over social media. … They said I wasn’t going to get suspended, so, on to next week. We’re on to Baltimore.”
Palmer said Sunday that there were no lingering issues between him, Jones, or the Raiders, and that he didn’t expect to be fined because he didn’t throw a punch.
“I’ll fight that battle in NFL court,” Palmer said Sunday about a potential fine.
