The NFL hit 49ers defensive back Antone Exum on Saturday with another big fine for a play that drew a penalty.
The league fined Exum $53,482 for a play on which he drew a controversial unnecessary roughness penalty for breaking up a pass in Week 17 intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Robert Woods. After the game, Exum expressed surprise about the penalty, saying he felt the hit was a “textbook.”
Referee Jerome Boger in announcing the penalty said Exum made “Illegal contact on a defenseless player.”
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It is the third time that Exum has been fined this season. Earlier this season, Exum was fined $26,739 for a hit on Kansas City Chiefs receiver Sammy Watkins in Week 3. That fine was reduced to $5,000 on appeal.
In Week 14, Exum was fined $53,482 for a hit on Denver Broncos wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton. He filed an appeal and is awaiting word on whether his fine was reduced.
Rams linebacker Samson Ebukam was fined $26,739 for lowering his helmet to initiate contact with 49ers receiver Kendrick Bourne.