The Cleveland Browns were eliminated from the playoffs before playing their hated rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, last weekend. At least one Cleveland player had some Jadeveon Clowney tossed Pittsburgh wide receiver Chase Claypool's cleat in the second quarter, resulting in a penalty.
The NFL has issued a fine to Clowney for throwing Chase Claypool's cleat during the Browns' 26-14 loss.
The NFL fined #Browns DE Jadeveon Clowney $12,875 for throwing Chase Claypool’s shoe Monday night.
Clowney also was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, wiping out a third-down stop and setting up the #Steelers’ first touchdown in the win. pic.twitter.com/COG0rgVdU3
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 8, 2022
Clowney's antics cost him in more ways than one, as the unsportsmanlike conduct he was flagged for helped the Steelers continue their drive, which ended in a touchdown that helped them beat the Browns. Head coach Kevin Stefanski called the move “crazy” and “not smart” after the game. Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. said that Clowney owned up to his poor judgment after the game.
Article Continues BelowPer Marla Ridenour of the Akron Beacon Journal:
“Obviously not a great play for us. He came right up to me, was kind of like, ‘Man, I’m sorry, I let us down on that one,’” Walker said. “Can’t have it. He knows that. Clowney’s a veteran, he’s a great player, came back and had two big sacks for us. He’s more down on himself than we are.
In his first season with the Browns, Clowney had a solid season. He tallied seven sacks and 17 quarterback hits this season. Myles Garrett is hoping that Clowney returns to the team this offseason.
Thanks to the talents of Clowney and Garrett, Cleveland had a solid team pass rush. They ranked 11th in quarterback knockdowns and 12th in sacks. Getting Clowney back would help retain one of the Browns' strengths as they look to get back into the postseason.