NFL Fines Texans Stingley, Seahawks Smith-Njigba Over Sideline Altercation

The NFL fined Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. $11,593 for a forceful facemask that ripped off Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith‑Njigba’s helmet and sparked a sideline altercation during Seattle’s 27-19 Monday night win, with Stingley the only player fined for that skirmish. Seahawks rookie Jaxon Smith‑Njigba was also fined $14,491 for unsportsmanlike conduct after using the football as a prop to dunk it over the goalpost following a touchdown — a first-time offense under league rules. The melee went viral after official Nate/Nathan Jones was seen protecting Smith‑Njigba on the Texans’ bench, drawing praise from commentators. Despite the incident and fine, Smith‑Njigba had eight catches for 123 yards and a TD, extended his streak to three straight 100‑yard games, and is on a historic pace (projected around 1,989 yards) that would eclipse Calvin Johnson’s single‑season mark. The Seahawks improved to 5‑2 while the Texans fell to 2‑4, and the league continues a season‑long crackdown on unsportsmanlike conduct, with collected fines donated to player‑ and community‑focused foundations.