Most Expensive Punishments in Football History
Football has always been a game of passion, strategy, and rules. But when those rules are broken, the repercussions can ripple far beyond the field. Some of the sport’s most unforgettable moments relate to the heavy punishments that followed moments of poor judgment, misconduct, or outright scandal. Let’s explore some of the most severe punishments in NFL history.
Deshaun Watson’s $5 Million Fine
Credit: Reddit
The largest fine ever imposed on an NFL player was a staggering $5 million penalty given to star quarterback Deshaun Watson. This penalty came after 24 women accused Watson of inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions. While Watson denied the allegations and settled many lawsuits privately, the NFL launched its own investigation. In addition to the fine, Watson was suspended for 11 games.
Dan Snyder’s $60 Million Fine
Credit: Reddit
When ownership takes a wrong turn, the consequences can be monumental. Dan Snyder learned this the hard way in 2023 when the former Washington Commanders owner faced a $60 million fine. This came after an independent investigation into accusations of financial misconduct and a toxic workplace culture. The investigation, initiated by former SEC chair Mary Jo White, revealed that Snyder had withheld revenue from other NFL teams and harassed a former employee. The fine coincided with Snyder’s sale of the Commanders for $6 billion.
Washington Commanders’ $10 Million Fine
Credit: flickr
Back in 2021, the Washington Commanders were fined $10 million following an NFL-led probe into pervasive workplace misconduct under Snyder’s ownership. The investigation uncovered numerous reports of harassment, intimidation, and a toxic work environment. Women working within the organization reported being belittled, objectified, and harassed for years. The fine was paired with a mandate requiring the team to implement significant workplace reforms.
Bill Belichick’s “Spygate” Fine
Credit: flickr
Coaching genius doesn’t exempt anyone from scrutiny. In 2007, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots were caught videotaping the defensive signals of opposing teams, a practice banned by the league. This came to be known as the “Spygate” scandal. Commissioner Roger Goodell fined Belichick $500,000, the largest fine ever levied against a coach, and the team an additional $250,000. The Patriots also forfeited their first-round draft pick in 2008. The scandal cast a shadow over Belichick’s otherwise stellar legacy.
Denver Broncos’ Salary Cap Shenanigans
Credit: flickr
In 2001 and 2004, the Denver Broncos faced fines totaling $1.9 million for salary cap violations stemming from the mid-1990s. The team had deferred payments to Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway and running back Terrell Davis but failed to disclose these deals to the NFL. These hidden arrangements allowed the Broncos to build a stronger roster while staying under the salary cap. When the violations came to light, the league’s response was quick, penalizing both the team and the individuals responsible.
New Orleans Saints’ COVID-19 Fine
Credit: X
Celebrations turned costly for the New Orleans Saints in 2020. The team faced a $500,000 fine after a locker room victory celebration went viral and showed players and staff without masks in violation of strict COVID-19 protocols. This blatant disregard for the NFL’s COVID-19 safety protocols came at a time when the league was under intense scrutiny to keep players and personnel safe. The Saints also lost a seventh-round draft pick.
New England Patriots’ “Deflategate” Controversy
Credit: Reddit
The “Deflategate” scandal erupted during the 2015 AFC Championship Game, where the Patriots were accused of intentionally deflating footballs to gain a competitive advantage. Quarterback Tom Brady was accused of being complicit, as deflated footballs are easier to grip and throw in cold weather. The NFL fined the Patriots $1 million, the largest fine ever imposed on a team, and suspended Brady for four games.
Eddie DeBartolo Jr.’s $1 Million Fine
Credit: Youtube
Eddie DeBartolo Jr., the former owner of the San Francisco 49ers, faced a $1 million fine in 1999 after pleading guilty to failing to report an extortion attempt. DeBartolo admitted to paying $400,000 to former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards in exchange for a casino license. While his tenure as owner included five Super Bowl championships, the scandal led to his stepping away from the team.
Jamal Lewis’s $760,000 Fine
Credit: flickr
In a turn of events that shook everyone, Jamal Lewis, a standout running back for the Baltimore Ravens, pled guilty to facilitating a drug transaction. The case involved Lewis using a cell phone to set up a cocaine deal, though he ultimately did not go through with it. The NFL fined him $760,000 and deducted four game checks from his salary. This was a sharp fall from grace for the Pro Bowler.
Las Vegas Raiders’ $800,000 Fine
Credit: Facebook
Repeated violations often lead to hefty penalties. The Las Vegas Raiders’ failure to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols was a persistent issue throughout the season, and thus, in 2020, they were fined $800,000 once the NFL had enough. The main failures highlighted were unmasked appearances at charity events and unauthorized locker room visitors. Owner Mark Davis and head coach Jon Gruden both faced criticism for their lax enforcement of the rules.
Saints’ Bounty Program Scandal
Credit: Reddit
Every team should aim to have good sportsmanship, but the New Orleans Saints were anything but. Their bounty program, which rewarded players for injuring opponents, became one of the NFL’s most infamous scandals. Head coach Sean Payton was suspended for the entire 2012 season, and former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams received an indefinite suspension. General manager Mickey Loomis was also suspended for eight games. The Saints were fined $500,000 and lost two second-round draft picks.
Paul Hornung and Alex Karras Gambling Scandal
Credit: X
Even decades ago, the NFL took a hard stance on gambling. In 1963, Hall of Famer Paul Hornung and defensive tackle Alex Karras were suspended for betting on NFL games. Both players admitted to associating with gamblers and violating the league’s policy on gambling and integrity. While Hornung was a reigning MVP and Karras a defensive standout, their suspensions sent a clear message that gambling had no place in football.
Adam Jones’ Suspension
Credit: Facebook
In 2007, Adam Jones, a cornerback for the Tennessee Titans at the time, was suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for the entire season, which cost him $1.29 million in salary. The suspension stemmed from a series of incidents, including a notorious altercation at a Las Vegas club during the NBA All-Star Weekend that escalated into a shooting. The incident left a security guard paralyzed and linked Jones to a string of legal troubles involving public altercations and reckless behavior.
SMU’s “Death Penalty”
Credit: Facebook
While not an NFL case, the SMU Mustangs’ infamous “death penalty” remains the NCAA’s most severe punishment. Investigations revealed that 13 players had received payments totaling $61,000 from a slush fund set up by boosters. The NCAA canceled SMU’s 1987 season and heavily restricted their 1988 schedule, effectively crippling the program.
Joe Mixon’s $25,000 Fine
Credit: Reddit
Speaking out can be costly—but being fined for something you didn’t say? That’s another level of controversy. Joe Mixon was fined $25,000 by the NFL for alleged referee criticism after a Texans game, though the remarks were later attributed to former player T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Despite Mixon’s appeal and public outcry, the NFL reissued the fine with new justification, and sparked debates about fairness, accountability, and the league’s handling of disciplinary actions.