In the aftermath of a lopsided playoff loss to the Seahawks, the San Francisco 49ers are now feeling the sting off the field as well - and not just from the scoreboard.
During the third quarter of Seattle’s emphatic 41-6 win in the NFC Divisional Round, 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir was caught on camera delivering a headbutt to Seahawks rookie wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The play didn’t draw a flag in real time, but the league office took notice. Lenoir has since been fined $20,944 for “use of the helmet,” a clear message from the NFL that extracurriculars like that won’t fly - even if the officials miss it live.
Lenoir’s always been a scrappy presence in the 49ers’ secondary - the kind of corner who thrives on chirping and getting under opponents’ skin. But that edge has sometimes crossed the line.
Just last season, he found himself in the middle of a sideline scuffle with Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III. This latest incident only adds to that growing resume of questionable moments.
And Lenoir wasn’t the only Niner to draw the league’s ire after the blowout. Linebacker Dee Winters was fined $5,907 for a hip-drop tackle on Saints receiver Rashid Shaheed.
While the penalty reflects the NFL’s ongoing crackdown on the technique - which has been under increasing scrutiny due to injury concerns - it’s worth noting that the play didn’t appear particularly egregious in real time. Still, the league has made it clear that intent doesn’t always matter when it comes to player safety.
For a 49ers team that was already licking its wounds after a tough playoff exit, these fines add a little more salt to the wound. Emotions run high in the postseason, especially in a rivalry game like this one. But the NFL is reminding players that there’s a line - and if you cross it, your wallet’s going to feel it.