Seattle’s heartbreaking 28-24 loss in Super Bowl 49 to the New England Patriots was capped off with a rather unfortunate brawl between the two sides.
The National Football League has issued penalties to four of the players involved in the fight, two from each team.
Seattle Seahawks defenders Bruce Irvin and Michael Bennett were each fined for their roles in the melee. Irvin received the highest fine of the four players, losing $10,000. Bennett was hit with a $8,268 fine, the least for this type of offense. Both Irvin and Bennett were specifically fined for “unnecessarily striking an opponent.”
Patriots’ tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Michael Hoomanawanui were each fined the minimum of $8,268. Gronkowski was fined for the same thing as the two Seahawks players. Hoomanawanui was penalized for “unnecessarily ripping an opponents helmet off.”
Needless to say, neither of the four players were hit especially hard in the wallets with these fines. Although Bruce Irvin did take to twitter after the Super Bowl to express his disappointment and regret in his actions.
I want to apologize to all of the younger kids for my actions last night. I was trying to protect my brother and it got out of hand.
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) February 2, 2015
It's easy to say u would have done different but in the heat of the moment I just reacted when I seen my brother get punched.
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) February 2, 2015
Still not an excuse and I'm truly sorry to all the 12's and my Wvu family for my actions.
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) February 2, 2015
Irvin also congratulated former Seahawks linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. for his move to the Oakland Raiders. Norton left Seattle for a promotion to defensive coordinator with the black and silver.
Congrats ken norton! Was a pleasure playing for you!
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) February 6, 2015
I'm sad and love ken norton but players play and coaches coach we will be fine!
— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) February 6, 2015
With the move, it appears that Kris Richard is now the internal candidate with the best shot at becoming the Seahawks new defensive coordinator after Dan Quinn left to become the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
More from 12th Man Rising
- 4 prospects Seahawks could reach for at No. 20 in 2023 NFL Draft
- Seattle Seahawks Mock Draft: Post-first wave of free agency
- Seahawks podcast: A review of the first week of free agency
- 4 experiments the Seattle Seahawks could cut short in 2023
- 3 pros and cons of Seattle Seahawks drafting Anthony Richardson