DK Metcalf hit with $21,854 fine following emotional week 1

Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf has been hit with a hefty fine from the NFL stemming from an incident during the 30-13 Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Metcalf was fined $10,927 for leveling Rams defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon away from the play. The league levied an additional $10,927 fine against Metcalf for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The hit occurred during the fourth quarter, with Seattle trailing 27-13. Witherspoon had to leave the game after the blindside hit. Metcalf finished the game with three receptions for 47 yards and a touchdown. Witherspoon recorded two tackles, both solo stops.

Metcalf explained his side of the hit while speaking with the media after the game.

“Well, I was blocking,” Metcalf said. “I guess I blocked him a little too hard and pushed him to the ground and he got up mad because he felt like I blocked him in the back. But I mean, that’s just how I play. I block every play when I don’t have the ball and I’m never taking a play off or jogging, trying to take a play off. So that’s what transpired.”

Clearly, the NFL wasn’t buying Metcalf’s explanation.

DK Metcalf calls himself out for not giving 100% effort

Metcalf, 25, is in his fifth season in the NFL. Coming off a season in which he compiled the second 1,000-yard season of his career, Metcalf aimed to take his game to another level in 2023. That, however, didn’t happen in Week 1. Though the touchdown grab was great, Metcalf admitted his effort level wasn’t where it needed to be.

“I really can’t speak for everybody else’s, but my part was just effort,” Metcalf said, via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. “And play after play, just 100% effort, it wasn’t just there like it’s been in the past. So, I know that’s one thing I’ve got to clean up. And just playing as a team. When something goes wrong or adversity hits, we just can’t start pointing fingers or just looking around for somebody else to make a play or just to have an answer.

“Can’t look for the coaches… I can’t tell you. I think it’s just an inward experience, a lack of preparation on my part. Just got to do a better job preparing during the week and knowing my job.”

The Seahawks will certainly need Metcalf at his best in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions as they hope to avoid an 0-2 start to the season.