Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed levied a $13,000 fine for taking his helmet off on the field during the Vikings game

Find out why the NFL is imposing a fine on Chiefs L’Jarius Sneed.

Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed levied a $13,000 fine for taking his helmet off on the field during the Vikings game

L’Jarius Sneed fined by the NFL (Image via IMAGO)

The officiating this year has been called into question from all corners. It took a wrong turn when L’Jarius Sneed took off his helmet during the Minnesota Vikings game last week.

Late in the fourth quarter, with the Vikings down by one score and building some momentum, the referees judged Sneed for pass interference. As if to argue with the officials, the Kansas City Chiefs cornerback was caught taking off his helmet on live TV.

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On a regular day, they will call back for a foul and give a penalty to the Vikings. However, the scenario was different this time around. The on-field referee could be seen telling Sneed to put it back on instead of penalizing him.

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Now, almost five days later, the NFL committee has decided to hit L’Jarius Sneed with a $13,659 fine for the action. The decision was made based on calling the play ‘unsportsmanlike conduct.’

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The L’Jarius Sneed ruling should be a warning to NFL referees

Football is a fast sport, and since the new AstroTurf was introduced, it has gotten even faster. Sometimes referees miss certain incidents on the field because they fail to see them through their naked eyes. They are only humans, after all. Even though a review is available, it can only be used on certain occasions.

Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed levied a $13,000 fine for taking his helmet off on the field during the Vikings game
Chiefs selected Sneed in 2020 (Via NFL)

However, the string of bad officiating is causing mayhem on and off the field. Most of the time, an incorrect call can turn the tide of a game completely. By the time everyone starts to evaluate, it becomes time to go back and give the right call.

The L’Jarius Sneed incident during the Vikings game is one such example of a bad ruling. Although unsportsmanlike conduct is usually called after the clock stops ticking, that doesn’t mean it can’t have long-lasting effects in a game. If the referee decided to give a call in favor of Minnesota, then the Chiefs had to take a snap way deep into their territory.

The game could have resumed from the Kansas 12 and halfway line with third down. But they went on to lose the game 27-20. Most of them would point out that it’s about the spirit of the game. These types of decisions always leave a sour taste in the mouth. In the modern day of football, with all the gadgets and gimmicks, referees should be better.

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