The Houston Texans fell to 3–6 after their Week 9 loss to the Cleveland Browns. A late penalty on cornerback Kamari Lassiter proved costly and could also lead to disciplinary action from the NFL.
With less than two minutes remaining, Cleveland faced second-and-11 at midfield. Quarterback Deshaun Watson threw toward wide receiver Tylan Wallace, and the pass fell incomplete. Officials then penalized Lassiter for unnecessary roughness, ruling that he made helmet-to-helmet contact with a defenseless player. Lassiter said he was trying to break up the pass.
A first offense for a hit on a defenseless player can bring a fine of up to $17,911, while a second offense can reach $23,882. Lassiter was fined $13,659 after Week 4 for a similar violation, so another fine would mark his second such offense. A further strike could result in an automatic one-game suspension.
“I’m confused,” Lassiter told reporters on November 15. He said he was trying to play the ball and force it out of Wallace’s hands, but the call left him unsure how he was expected to defend the pass.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said Lassiter was going for the football and that he did not believe the contact was intentional. The call also drew criticism from commentators, who described it as a poor and game-changing penalty. Players can appeal fines, which could be Lassiter’s next step if the league issues one.
## Other Texans Could Also Face Fines
Lassiter was not the only Houston player flagged for a potential fine during the game. In the second quarter, newcomer Nikko Remigio was penalized for unnecessary roughness after a kickoff. A first offense for striking, kicking, tripping or kneeing can result in a $12,537 fine, rising to $18,507 for a second offense. Browns cornerback Myles Harden had put his hands on Remigio’s facemask before the penalty.
In the third quarter, safety M.J. Stewart was flagged for a facemask after stopping tight end Harold Fannin on a seven-yard gain near Houston’s goal line. The penalty gave Cleveland an additional 15 yards. Stewart could face a fine of up to $11,941 for a first offense or $17,911 for a second. He was previously fined $11,667 after Week 7 for unnecessary roughness involving an illegal hip-drop tackle.
Wide receiver Nico Collins was also flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter. A first offense could bring a fine of up to $14,926, with a second offense carrying a potential fine of $20,897.
