Texans receiver Andre Johnson found out today that the NFL has fined him but will not suspend him for his role in the fight with Tennessee cornerback Cortland Finnegan on Sunday.
Johnson and Finnegan, both of whom were ejected for their fourth-quarter fight in the Texans’ 20-0 victory, could have been fined and suspended but instead each was fined $25,000.
The NFL made a quick decision because the Texans play at Philadelphia on Thursday.
After the game, Johnson apologized, but Finnegan left the dressing room without comment.
Finnegan had been fined three times this season and warned by the NFL about his roughhouse tactics.
The usually mild-mannered Johnson was fined $7,500 last year for being involved in a sideline fight at Tennessee. That one began with Finnegan and included players from both teams.
Johnson and Finnegan, who tangle two times a season in their AFC South series, fought with 7:53 left in the game. They had been going at it throughout the game. Johnson had beaten Finnegan on a touchdown in the first half.
When Johnson came off the line of scrimmage, rather than jamming him in the chest, Finnegan hit him in his facemask, igniting the brawl. The players ripped each other’s helmet off. Johnson landed three punches to Finnegan’s face, including a roundhouse and a stiff uppercut before they were separated. Watch the video HERE