New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis was hit with a $26,739 fine per Nick Underhill of the Advocate. The Saints linebacker received a painful notice from the NFL a week after his game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in which he initiated contact by lowering his helmet against a Tampa Bay player – an NFL safety violation.

Davis cost his team 15 yards for the penalty, but he’s cost himself much more. He could appeal the fine but his lowered-helmet tackle was fairly blatant, which is unfortunate. But thankfully no one was hurt by his mistake. It was uncharacteristic of Davis to use such poor technique, given his stellar play this year and physically-dominant style of play. He’s not someone who needs to result to cheap shots to make an impact, and he’s not known for it. We’ll write this one off as an honest, if dangerous, mistake.