The New England Patriots weren’t penalized for the fight that broke out at the end of Super Bowl XLIX, but two players were fined.
Tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Michael Hoomanwanui each were fined $8,268 for their part in the brawl that took place during the final seconds of the Patriots’ 28-24 Super Bowl win over the Seattle Seahawks, according to an NFL spokesperson. Gronkowski unnecessarily struck an opponent, while Hoomanawanui pulled off an opponent’s helmet.
Linebacker Bruce Irvin, who was ejected from the game, was fined $10,000, and defensive end Michael Bennett was fined $8,268. Both players were fined for unnecessarily striking an opponent.
Gronkowski joked about the fight on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” saying “I got pushed or something, and it was the last game of the year, and I was like, ‘Screw it, I’m throwing some haymakers.”
Gronkowski’s pleas to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell not to get fined went ignored.
Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images
