Jets Star Defender Fined by NFL for Aaron Rodgers Incident Against Steelers

The New York Jets lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, and it was a costly affair for Jets pass rusher Will McDonald IV, who was fined by the NFL after the loss as well.

McDonald was fined $14,491 for a “violent gesture,” per NFL insider Tom Pelissero.

“The NFL fined (Jets) edge Will McDonald $14,491 for a ‘violent gesture’ — pretending to throw a grenade after sacking Aaron Rodgers,” wrote Pelissero on X. “Including Jalen Carter’s lost game check for spitting on Dak Prescott, the league docked players $129,678 for unsportsmanlike conduct in Week 1.”

McDonald is in his third season with the Jets. Last season, he had 10 1/2 sacks for the team, starting 15 games. He had two sacks in the Jets’ season opener to start what the Jets hope will be a big year.

The NFL is taking a harder stance against taunting and unsportsmanlike conduct this season. McDonald got a taste of what kind of actions the league will not tolerate this season.

Earlier this year, the NFL made a statement noting that violent gestures would result in a penalty, and McDonald’s grenade celebration after sacking Rodgers falls under that umbrella.

“Any violent gesture, which will include but not be limited to a throat slash, simulating firing or brandishing a gun, or using the ‘nose swipe’ gesture, or an act that is sexually suggestive or offensive,” the NFL press release read when describing actions that were now going to be a 15-yard penalty, according to NFL Analyst Benjamin Solak.

McDonald has plenty of season left, but the league clearly sent a message to him after Week 1.

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