Jets Player Faces NFL Discipline Over Hit on Browns Player

New York Jets safety Mnkah Fitzpatrick may be in trouble with the NFL after a hit on Cleveland Browns player KC Concepcion during Week 5 of the season. The incident has drawn criticism from multiple sources, including players and coaches.

Browns offensive tackle Dawand Jones expressed his disapproval of the hit during a postgame locker room conversation. Jones called the action 'dirty' and told Fitzpatrick, 'that s***’s not right.' Fitzpatrick reportedly responded with 'that’s football,' according to Cleveland.com’s Dan Labbe.

The hit also drew attention from the Browns’ own players and media. 92.3 The Fan’s Daryl Ruiter posted a comment criticizing Fitzpatrick for the hit, while BIGPLAY Cleveland Show’s McNeil called for Fitzpatrick’s removal from the NFL. Concepcion, who was injured, posted a message on Instagram thanking his 'lord and savior' and included a photo of himself.

Browns head coach Todd Monken described the play as 'bang-bang,' suggesting it was a close call rather than a deliberate act. He defended Fitzpatrick, stating, 'Minkah’s been in this league a long time. He’s not a dirty player.'

The NFL has flagged Fitzpatrick for the hit and a previous facemask penalty. Fines for hits on defenseless players can range from $17,911 for first offenses to $23,882 for repeat violations. Fitzpatrick has already received one strike in this category, and two more would result in an automatic one-game suspension.

Fitzpatrick can appeal any fines and potentially recover some of the money if he avoids further infractions. However, the NFL has discretion over whether to impose fines, so the final amounts could vary. The incident also carries over into future seasons, affecting his disciplinary record.