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Bucs’ Lavonte David fined $12,875 for removing helmet after play

The unsportsmanlike conduct should have resulted in a penalty on a drive in which the Cowboys had to settle for a field goal.
 
Lavonte David, seen here last season, picks up a fine from the league for removing his helmet after a play in the season opener.
Lavonte David, seen here last season, picks up a fine from the league for removing his helmet after a play in the season opener. [ KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI | AP ]
Published Sept. 18, 2021

TAMPA — Lavonte David was so angry after failing to make an interception on a third-down play in the season opener, he removed his helmet and tossed it.

No penalty flag was thrown on the Bucs linebacker, although removing your helmet on the field is considered unsportsmanlike conduct. The Bucs were leading 14-13 and the Cowboys then had to settle for a field goal.

But justice is slow and not always fair.

The NFL announced that David has been fined $12,875 for removing and throwing his helmet.

Who knows if the Cowboys would have scored a touchdown had the penalty been assessed. Instead, Tampa Bay went on to win 31-29.

Bucs hopeful Carlton Davis will play

The Bucs did not promote any players from the practice squad Saturday despite a beat-up secondary.

That could be good news. Cornerback Carlton Davis is questionable with a hamstring injury but the Bucs are expecting him to play Sunday against Atlanta.

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