Ravens' defender just got hit with NFL fine for something laughably small

The Baltimore Ravens had a tough week. Their Week 13 game against the Cincinnati Bengals did not go anywhere close to as they planned, losing in embarrassing fashion, 32-14.

They entered the week with a perfect opportunity to make a statement in the AFC North. They sat in first place via tiebreaker, and a win over the Bengals would have strengthened that tiebreaker. Throw in a tough Week 13 draw for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, and there was a real possibility that Baltimore would set itself up to run away with the division in the coming weeks. Instead, they are on the verge of falling back into a divot.

Several players had forgettable nights, as turnovers and penalties turned a very winnable game into one of their worst losses of the year. For outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones, it was an especially bad week.

While the defense stood out for most of the game, the pass rush was back to its stagnant self. Jones did not account for a single sack or pressure on the night and failed to contain returning quarterback Joe Burrow in the pocket over the course of the game. He registered a 35.5 defensive grade, per Pro Football Focus.

On Saturday, things got worse for Jones, as the NFL hit him with a fine. The reasoning for it, though, was laughably bad.

NFL nails Dre’Mont Jones with questionable fine

In Baltimore’s Week 12 win over the New York Jets, Jones enjoyed his best game as a Raven. He tallied four tackles and 1.5 sacks. Apparently, though, the league did not like his celebration on a game-sealing sack late in the fourth quarter of that matchup. He was fined $14,055 for a “violent gesture” on that sack. The description of the celebration is laughably bad on the NFL’s part.

Judge for yourself.

Jones obviously took issue with the fine and fired back with a comical response.

The 28-year-old could appeal the fine, and judging by public perception of the league’s decision, he could win the appeal. Jones’ celebration was also one that has been done countless times, and very rarely has any sort of violent intent behind it.

Despite the rough outing this past week, Jones has been a key part of the defense since arriving in Charm City. He has yet to tally any sacks outside that game against the Jets, but he has ramped up the pressures. He is also forming a strong partnership with rookie Mike Green.

In Week 14 against the Steelers, maybe Jones will take his anger out on the opposing offense and help get the Ravens’ season back on the right path.