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FOR USE AS DESIRED EAGLES’ DAWKINS FINED $50,000 FOR MISUSE OF HELMET Philadelphia Eagles safety BRIAN DAWKINS has been fined $50,000 for the misuse of his helmet last Monday on New York Giants wide receiver IKE HILLIARD, the NFL announced today. NFL Director of Football Operations GENE WASHINGTON issued the fine, noting in a letter to Dawkins that on a pass play, “you unnecessarily struck your opponent in the shoulder and chest area with the crown of your helmet.” Washington further noted that Dawkins’ improper use of the helmet to strike a defenseless receiver is a clear and dangerous rules violation. This is Dawkins’ first such helmet infraction on a defenseless receiver in his career. Washington said Dawkins’ misuse of his helmet violated Rule 12, Section 2, Article 8(g) of the Official NFL Playing Rules: "…using any part of a player’s helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/hairline parts) or facemask to butt, spear or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily; although such violent or unnecessary use of the helmet and facemask is impermissible against any opponent, game officials will give special attention in administering this rule to protecting those players who are in virtually defenseless postures (e.g., a receiver catching or attempting to catch a pass…)." Washington’s letter emphasized that any future misuse of the helmet by Dawkins likely would lead to increased disciplinary action up to and including suspension. Washington noted that the NFL Competition Committee has placed a high priority on enforcing these rules both in its reports to the clubs and in its discussions with representatives of the NFL Players Association on playing rules. ### |