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FOR USE AS DESIRED COWBOYS’ WOODSON FINED $75,000 FOR MISUSE OF HELMET Dallas Cowboys safety DARREN WOODSON has been fined $75,000 for an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit last Sunday on Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DARRELL JACKSON, the NFL announced today. NFL Director of Football Operations GENE WASHINGTON issued the fine, noting that Woodson’s helmet-to-helmet technique, which is a clear and dangerous rules violation, is his first such infraction on a defenseless receiver in his career. Washington said Woodson’s 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 repeat helmet-to-helmet violation by Woodson likely would result in a suspension and/or additional discipline. 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. ### |