Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith has been fined $6,750 for a chop block penalty he committed during the fourth quarter of the team’s Week 1 victory against the Denver Broncos. This infraction, noted by A to Z Sports editor Charles Goldman, came at a crucial moment with just under 10 minutes left in the game.
At that point, the Chiefs were comfortably ahead 31-10 when Smith’s penalty wiped out a first-down run by Emmett Johnson. Instead of advancing down the field, Kansas City was pushed back from a manageable 1st-and-10 at their own 34 to a daunting 1st-and-25 at their own 19, ultimately stalling the drive and allowing Denver to regain possession. Such penalties have significant implications, not just in the moment, but also in terms of momentum and confidence on the field.
This fine underscores the league’s strict stance on chop blocks, which carry hefty fines for first offenses. While the penalty itself reflects the rules, it’s capped at 10% of a player’s game check under the collective bargaining agreement, which means it’s a hefty hit but not crippling for Smith.
Should Smith manage to steer clear of any further penalties this season, he stands to potentially receive a refund for this fine at season’s end, thanks to an agreement between the NFL and the Players Association designed to promote cleaner play. This same regulation also extends to his teammates Rashee Rice and Kenneth Walker III, who were fined for their own infractions during the game.
The Bigger Question
Will Trey Smith’s $6,750 fine for his chop block in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs’ Week 1 victory influence his approach to play?