The Arizona Cardinals have been hit with fines by the NFL following incidents that occurred during their Week 18 game against the San Francisco 49ers. The players in question, cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Starling Thomas V, found themselves facing penalties for actions that unfolded during the highly contested matchup.
Murphy-Bunting, a key defensive player for the Cardinals, was fined $11,817 for unnecessary roughness in the second quarter of the game. The incident stemmed from a play involving 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who was blocking Murphy-Bunting during a run play. Jennings pushed Murphy-Bunting to the ground, which seemingly provoked the Cardinals cornerback. Rising to his feet, Murphy-Bunting retaliated by placing his hands on Jennings’ face and subsequently yanking his helmet off. The confrontation escalated quickly, leading to both players being ejected from the game. This ejection effectively ended Murphy-Bunting’s 2024 season on a sour note. Interestingly, Jennings did not receive a fine, as the NFL deemed he had not retaliated during the exchange. NFL insider Tom Pelissero was quick to share footage of the incident on social media, sparking conversation among fans and analysts alike.
On the other hand, Thomas was fined $5,083 for a similar infraction during the same game, also for unnecessary roughness. However, Thomas’ penalty occurred just before Murphy-Bunting’s altercation, again involving Jennings. The two players were engaged in a run-blocking sequence when they both fell to the ground. As the play continued, both players struggled and wrestled with each other, ultimately drawing unnecessary roughness penalties. Interestingly, the penalties were offset, meaning that the yardage advantage that would have been gained by either team was nullified. Despite being involved in a similar scuffle, Thomas’ fine was less significant than Murphy-Bunting’s, likely because the altercation was viewed as less severe in nature.
Jennings, despite his involvement in both incidents, came away without any fines. His role in the two scuffles was arguably more aggressive, particularly during his interaction with Thomas. Jennings threw Thomas to the ground and then shoved him in the face, yet the NFL did not impose any financial penalty on him for these actions. Nonetheless, the ejection did cost Jennings the chance to reach the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the season, as he fell just 25 yards short of the milestone.
Before his ejection, Murphy-Bunting had been performing well on the field. In the first quarter, he intercepted a pass from 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs, adding to his solid season performance. The Cardinals had signed Murphy-Bunting to a three-year, $17.4 million contract during the offseason, making him a key addition to their defensive unit. Over the course of the 2024 season, Murphy-Bunting accumulated 52 total tackles, three interceptions, five passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.
Thomas, who had a less traditional route to the NFL, was one of the surprising success stories for the Cardinals this season. Arizona picked up Thomas off waivers in August after the Detroit Lions had cut him. The undrafted free agent made a name for himself, becoming a starter for the Cardinals in 15 games. He finished the season with 47 total tackles, six passes defensed, and one forced fumble. His performance was a testament to the value of finding hidden gems in free agency, with Thomas contributing significantly to the team’s defense.
These fines and ejections, while not ideal for the players involved, represent a part of the intense physicality and sometimes volatile nature of the NFL. Both Murphy-Bunting and Thomas had been integral parts of the Cardinals’ defense throughout the season, but their involvement in these incidents overshadowed their on-field performances in the final game. For Murphy-Bunting, the fine and ejection were a disappointing end to what had been a solid season, while Thomas, despite his lesser fine, had to endure a somewhat unsatisfactory conclusion to his breakthrough year.
The Cardinals now face the challenge of moving forward into the offseason, with these disciplinary actions likely serving as a reminder of the need for discipline and composure on the field. Both Murphy-Bunting and Thomas will likely reflect on their actions as they prepare for the 2025 season. The NFL continues to enforce penalties to maintain the integrity and safety of the game, and these incidents, while unfortunate, show how quickly tensions can escalate in high-pressure moments.
In the broader context of the NFL, the fines also underscore the league’s efforts to maintain a balance between competitive play and player safety. Jennings, despite his physical confrontations, was able to avoid a fine, which highlights the sometimes subjective nature of penalty decisions. The NFL’s response to these incidents may spark debate among fans and players, but it ultimately serves as a reminder of the high standards the league sets for conduct on and off the field.
