We're almost a week removed from the 2018 NFC Championship matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints, and some of its participants are still facing repercussions. According to Adam Schefter, the NFL has fined Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman for his fourth quarter helmet-to-helmet hit on Saints wideout Tommylee Lewis that many are calling the "worst blown call in NFL history."
Schefter reported that Robey-Coleman has been fined $26,739 for his hit on Lewis. The play has been widely criticized by the football world, especially Saints fans, for being a blatant defensive pass interference call that was not called by the referees. In fact, it was so bad that the league is reportedly considering making pass interference a reviewable call. The no-call halted a late fourth quarter drive by the Saints that would have likely led to a game-winning score. The Rams went on to win the thriller in overtime, thanks to a 57-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein.
The fine is certainly well-deserved, but likely will have no impact on the droves of Saints faithful who have been complaining since last Sunday about the missed penalty. Remember, there were literally season ticket holders who filed a lawsuit demanding the NFC Championship be replayed. Countless Saints players including Michael Thomas and Benjamin Watson have also voiced their displeasure with the game-altering play. Watson even said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's lack of a statement regarding the play was "detrimental to the integrity of the game."
While Robey-Coleman likely isn't too happy about the fine, chances are he'll happily trade the lump sum of money for the opportunity to help the Rams capture a Vince Lombardi Trophy next Sunday in Atlanta. It is important that the NFL reprimanded such a violent hit, but that certainly won't ease the Saints fans' heartbreak after a second straight early exit from the playoffs in rather shocking fashion.
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