Patriots

Mac Jones has reportedly been fined for Eli Apple block

The NFL has reportedly fined Jones $11,139 for the incident.

By Khari Thompson

December 26, 2022

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The NFL has fined Mac Jones $11,139 for a block on Eli Apple near the end of Saturday’s loss to Cincinnati, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Jones addressed the block during a radio appearance with WEEI’s Christian Arcand and Mark Dondero Monday afternoon.

The play initially appeared to be a fumble recovery for a touchdown, but was later ruled an incomplete pass.

Apple was chasing the play from behind, and Jones who was a few yards ahead dove toward Apple’s legs, causing a collision.

“Obviously, I went down in front of him, to kind of get in the way, to stop him from slowing down Tyquan who obviously could make the tackle there. I just kind of went down in front of him and tried to stop a fast guy from getting to another fast guy.”

After Sunday’s game, Apple said that Jones tripped him intentionally and called the play dirty. ESPN’s Ryan Clark called Jones “the Grayson Allen of the NFL” comparing the Patriots quarterback to the Milwaukee Bucks guard who has been associated with controversial plays. Fox Sports’ Shannon Sharpe called for Jones to be suspended.

Jones said that he didn’t intend to hurt Apple.

“It’s a split-second decision,” Jones said. “There’s a lot that goes into it. You’re out there trying to compete and it’s a physical game. You’re trying to help the team win. I have all the respect for Eli and the Bengals, they played a great game. There’s no hard feelings and definitely no intention to hurt anybody on that play … We’re all out there playing hard and it’s just part of the game.”