BREAKING NEWS: Bonitto fined for celebratory gesture in Week 15

Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto was fined $8,791 for an obscene gesture following his 50-yard touchdown return of an errant lateral during the fourth quarter of the Broncos’ 31-13 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. In celebration, Bonitto grabbed his crotch, leading to the fine.

This marks Bonitto’s second fine this season; he was previously penalized for roughing the passer after a hit on Seattle’s Geno Smith in Week 1.

Safety Brandon Jones faced even steeper penalties, receiving two fines: $16,883 for a hip-drop tackle and $11,255 for a late hit. These are Jones’ second and third fines this season; like Bonitto, he was fined earlier for a hit against the Seahawks.

The NFL enforces fines to uphold sportsmanship and player safety, with funds typically directed to charitable organizations supporting former players and community programs.

The Denver Broncos have incurred several fines during the 2024 NFL season, reflecting various infractions by their players across multiple weeks. Below is a summary of these fines:

Week 1:

• Nik Bonitto (Edge Rusher): Fined $8,791 for roughing the passer.
• Brandon Jones (Safety): Fined $11,255 for unnecessary roughness against Seattle wide receiver Jake Bobo in the fourth quarter.

Week 2:

• P.J. Locke (Safety): Fined $13,972 for an equipment violation.
• P.J. Locke (Safety): Additionally fined $13,972 for a hit on a defenseless player.
• Luke Wattenberg (Center): Fined $5,872 for an illegal blindside block.

Week 5:

• Michael Burton (Fullback): Fined $7,653 for an illegal blindside block.
• John Franklin-Myers (Defensive End): Fined $14,069 for unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Malcolm Roach (Defensive Lineman): Fined $11,255 for a late hit.

Week 7:

• Malcolm Roach (Defensive Lineman): Fined $11,255 for a late hit.
• Levi Wallace (Cornerback): Fined $7,181 for a hip-drop tackle.

Week 8:

• Lucas Krull (Tight End): Fined $5,083 for a blindside block.

Week 9:

• Devon Key (Safety): Fined $4,417 for a face-mask violation.

Week 11:

• Pat Surtain II (Cornerback): Fined $11,255 for a face-mask violation.

Week 13:

• Jonathon Cooper (Edge Rusher): Fined $12,688 for roughing the passer with a blow to the head/neck area.

Week 15:

• Nik Bonitto (Edge Rusher): Fined $8,791 for an obscene gesture following a touchdown return.
• Brandon Jones (Safety): Fined $16,883 for a hip-drop tackle.
• Brandon Jones (Safety): Additionally fined $11,255 for a late hit.