For the first time this season, Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins has received a fine from the NFL. He was fined $11,255 for unsportsmanlike conduct—specifically taunting—during the Bills’ Week 6 road victory against the New York Jets on Monday night.
“I don’t even know why. I got fined, though. I was surprised I got fined. They were in my face,” Dawkins said at a Thursday news conference. He later joked, “I’m going to try to figure out a way to pay that.”
Dawkins wasn’t the only Bills player fined this week; defensive back Taron Johnson received an $11,817 fine for unnecessary roughness due to a low block in the third quarter.
Dawkins’ penalty occurred at the end of the third quarter, just before the fourth, during a skirmish with Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams while the score was tied at 20. Buffalo punted from its own 17 three plays later but went on to win 23-20.
This isn’t the first time Dawkins has faced penalties in games against the Jets. Last year, in Week 11, he was fined $10,927 for unnecessary roughness during a 32-6 home victory, which occurred after a verbal exchange with Jets defensive lineman Michael Clemons.
The NFL typically announces player fines each Saturday during the regular season, and this week, a total of 24 plays resulted in fines for on-field discipline.
