NFL Fines Steelers' Diontae Johnson $25,000 for Criticizing Officials After Loss to Jaguars
Johnson claims biased officiating against the Steelers led to their loss, expressing frustration over the lack of penalty for a hit that injured the team's quarterback.
- Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver Diontae Johnson received a $25,000 fine from the NFL due to his critique of the game's officiating after a 20-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Johnson expressed anger over the perceived bias of the officials, claiming they favorably called the game for the Jaguars and caused the Steelers' defeat.
- A particular point of contention was a non-penalized hit by Jaguars' defensive end Adam Gotsis on Steelers' quarterback Kenny Pickett, which resulted in a rib injury and Pickett's removal from the game.
- The Steelers' safety Keanu Neal was called for roughing the passer in the first quarter, exemplifying Johnson's belief in the inconsistency in roughing the passer calls.
- Despite his fine and the loss to the Jaguars, Johnson helped lead the Steelers to a 20-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 9, catching the game-winning touchdown and achieving a season-high 90 receiving yards.