Travis Johnson's taunting of Trent Green after Green sustained a serious concussion trying to block him earned the Houston Texans defensive tackle a 15-yard penalty and the ire of critics. But it won't result in a fine by the NFL.
Johnson
Johnson was criticized by members of the Dolphins and in the media for the taunting penalty, in which he stood over the motionless Green and pointed, and for his post-game comments, in which he lambasted Green for what he perceived to be a cheap shot.
But the NFL said Johnson was reacting to what he thought was a dirty play and would not face additional discipline.
"Gene Washington [the NFL's director of football operations] determined that Johnson's taunting penalty did not warrant a fine," league spokesman Greg Aiello explained, according to the Houston Chronicle. "The player was upset about what he thought was an illegal block. Gene did not believe he deserved to be fined."
"Not every taunting penalty draws a fine. The block, in fact, was legal," Aiello said, according to the Chronicle. "Should the taunting penalty have been called? Yes. Standing over a player on the ground and pointing at him is by rule taunting. The penalty was properly called."
Dolphins coach Cam Cameron spoke in general terms about the league's decision, according to the Miami Herald.
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