The NFL has levied a second fine against Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu, this time for a hip-drop tackle. As part of the fine, Luvu will lose $46,372 from his base salary of $9.125 million for the current season.
The incident that led to this latest penalty occurred during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, where Luvu executed an illegal tackle on tight end Noah Gray following a 15-yard gain in the fourth quarter. Interestingly, no penalty was called during the game for that particular tackle.
This latest fine adds to Luvu’s growing history of penalties for similar infractions. Earlier this season, he received a $23,186 fine for a hip-drop tackle on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix in Week 4. He also faced a $16,883 fine for a hip-drop tackle on Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs during the postseason, bringing his total fines related to hip-drop tackles over the last ten games to three.
The increasing frequency of these penalties highlights the NFL’s ongoing efforts to improve player safety by cracking down on dangerous tackling techniques. While Luvu’s aggressive play style is a key asset to his game, it must be balanced with adherence to league rules designed to protect players. As the season progresses, players like Luvu will need to focus on training and adjusting their techniques to avoid further fines and potential injuries on the field.