The NFL plans to issue Mac Jones the first fine of his career for his low hit on Bengals cornerback Eli Apple, according to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio.
In the minds of many around the NFL, it’s long past time for Jones to face discipline for his on-field antics. Several current and ex-players have criticized the Patriots’ quarterback as a dirty player in recent days.
None have been more declarative than Ryan Clark, the former Steelers safety and current ESPN NFL analyst. On Twitter, Clark quote-tweeted a video titled “Mac Jones is a dirty player” and wrote the following: “All facts, and he should be looked at that way every single week. Now, the boys know how to approach him each week… AND OFFICIALS SHOULD TOO!”
The compilation video shows Jones’ low block on Apple, as well as three other incidents from his career.
Clark also compared Jones to Bucks guard Grayson Allen, widely considered one of the dirtiest players in the NBA.
In Jones’ weekly appearance on WEEI Monday, he characterized his block on Apple as a regular football play.
“I have all the respect for Eli and the Bengals. They played a great game,” said Jones. “So, there's no hard feelings and definitely no intention to hurt anybody on that play. Nor do I believe that when I'm playing quarterback, that's what -- I get hit a lot, too. We're all out there playing hard. It's just part of the game.”
It’s interesting that Clark would call Jones “dirty,” considering the ex-safety’s own penchant for questionable hits as a player. Clark was known for high hits that left players concussed, including Wes Welker.
