There were plenty of game-changing moments between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Round. Among the notable highlights was when Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith taunted Steelers star running back Le'Veon Bell en route to a 50-yard touchdown off a fumble recovery.
While the play may have ultimately helped cost Pittsburgh the game, it also cost Smith some money. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the fourth-year man out of Florida State was fined for his actions:
Jaguars LB Telvin Smith told reporters he was fined $10,000 for taunting Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell when Smith returned a fumble for a TD last week.
Smith added a somewhat comical apology afterward.
“NFL! Please listen! I'm sorry. I got the fine today. I apologize. I take the point back.”
There had been plenty of buzz surrounding this matchup after the Steelers had essentially marked the Jaguars down as another box on their checklist of revenge. Needless to say, Smith likely let his passion get the best of him on that play after he managed to capitalize on defensive end Yannick Ngakoue's strip-sack of veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger late in the second quarter. While it may have seemed like overkill at the time, the touchdown helped Jacksonville extend their lead before halftime.
Although the play may have cost Smith a pretty penny, it was still undoubtedly perhaps the biggest moment of his career. Perhaps his most impressive as well considering he managed to turn on the burners to beat out the best running back in the NFL.
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