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Eagles Impose Internal Fine on Cooper DeJean for Taunting Behavior in the Most Recent Game Against Buccaneers

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – October 1, 2025 – Just a few days after their 31-25 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4 of the 2024-2025 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles' management has decided to impose an internal fine on defensive back Cooper DeJean for his taunting (provocative) behavior that resulted in a 15-yard penalty. This decision aims to reinforce team discipline and emphasize commitment to on-field conduct rules, according to sources within the team.

The controversial incident occurred in the final quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium, when DeJean executed a clean tackle on Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. Afterward, the young player stood over Mayfield, stared him down, and stepped over him in a provocative manner, prompting the referees to immediately flag him for taunting under NFL rules. Although this penalty gave the Buccaneers a 15-yard advantage, it did not significantly impact the game's outcome as the Eagles were already leading by a wide margin. However, DeJean's actions drew criticism from fans and experts, with many opinions stating that it was "unnecessary" and could lead to escalating conflicts on the field.

The internal fine is reportedly a monetary penalty (specific amount not disclosed) and may include other disciplinary measures such as reduced playing time in practices. This is a familiar move by the Eagles under head coach Nick Sirianni, who always emphasizes a team culture focused on professionalism and respect for opponents. Previously, the team has applied similar disciplinary actions to players violating rules to maintain a positive image.

In this morning's press conference, head coach Nick Sirianni issued an official statement on the matter: "Cooper is a young talent and we're very proud of him, but taunting behavior like that doesn't align with the Eagles' standards. We've discussed it internally and imposed a fine to remind everyone that discipline is the key to long-term success. This is an opportunity for Cooper to learn and grow, and we believe he'll come back stronger."

DeJean, a second-round draft pick in 2024, has had an impressive performance in his rookie season with 5 tackles and one interception in the game against the Buccaneers. However, this fine could affect his position in the defensive lineup, especially as the Eagles prepare for their next game against the Cleveland Browns. Eagles fans on social media have expressed support for the team's decision, saying it helps maintain professionalism, while some opinions argue that the fine is too harsh for a young player.

The NFL has not issued an official comment on the matter, but the taunting rule continues to be a hot topic after being tightened since 2021. The Eagles are currently leading the NFC East with a 4-0 record, and this action is seen as a way for the team to maintain morale ahead of the rest of the season.

NFL Suspends Entire Officiating Crew Led by Craig Wrolstad After Controversial Finish in Seahawks–Buccaneers Game
October 8, 2025 – Seattle, WA The NFL has officially suspended referee Craig Wrolstad and his entire officiating crew following the explosive fallout from Sunday’s Seattle Seahawks vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers matchup — a 38–35 thriller marred by a string of controversial calls that fans say “handed the game” to Tampa Bay.   According to official NFL.com and ESPN data, the suspended crew — known as Crew 12 for the 2025 season — consisted of: Referee: Craig Wrolstad (#4) – Lead referee, responsible for major penalties such as pass interference and roughing the passer. Known for high penalty frequency (13.5 penalties/game in 2024). Umpire: Brandon Cruse (#45) – Oversaw the line of scrimmage, false starts, and holding infractions. Down Judge: Danny Short (#113) – Marked downfield yardage and sideline progress. Line Judge: Brett Bergman (#91) – Responsible for out-of-bounds and boundary plays. Field Judge: Jeff Shears (#108) – Monitored coverage plays and pass interference calls. Back Judge: Rich Martinez (#39) – Focused on deep coverage and signaling calls. The decision came after widespread outrage over inconsistent officiating in critical moments, which many believe tilted momentum toward the Buccaneers’ comeback. The crew has been accused of enforcing rules unevenly and issuing “late, selective, and phantom calls” in the second half. 🔥 Controversial Moments Leading to the Suspension 1️⃣ Illegal Man Downfield (2nd Half, 3rd & 12 – Seahawks Drive)The Seahawks were flagged for illegal man downfield on a shovel pass to Kenneth Walker — wiping out a first down and forcing a punt. Moments later, Tampa Bay executed a similar play, but the flag was picked up after brief discussion, allowing their drive to continue. That drive ended in a touchdown by Rachaad White. Fans on X called it “ridiculous inconsistency,” arguing that the call was selectively enforced against Seattle. 2️⃣ Phantom Defensive Holding (4th Quarter – Bucs Comeback Drive)On 3rd down deep in Buccaneers territory, officials threw a late flag for defensive holding on Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, gifting Tampa Bay a first down that led to Baker Mayfield’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Sterling Shepard. Replays showed minimal contact, with analysts calling it “incidental at best.” PFF later graded the call as “incorrect.” 3️⃣ Late-Game Holding Calls (Final Minutes)As the game tightened, the Seahawks were penalized four times in the final quarter compared to Tampa’s one — including a questionable holding call after a tipped pass   and a weak illegal contact flag during Sam Darnold’s final drive. The penalties set up a deflected interception and the game-winning 39-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin as time expired. “Refs controlled the second half,” one viral post read. “That wasn’t football — that was theater.” The Wrolstad crew, which had officiated four of Seattle’s last five games, already had a reputation for overcalling offensive holding and inconsistent man-downfield enforcement. The Seahawks were 2–2 under Wrolstad’s crew entering Week 5. NFL Senior VP of Officiating Walt Anderson released a statement Monday night confirming the disciplinary action:   “The league expects consistency, accuracy, and fairness from all officiating crews. After a thorough review of the Seahawks–Buccaneers game, the NFL determined that multiple officiating decisions failed to meet our professional standards.” The entire crew will be removed from active assignments indefinitely, pending further internal evaluation. For Seahawks fans — and even some Buccaneers supporters — the suspension serves as long-overdue validation after what many called “one of the worst-officiated games of the season.” The debate over NFL officiating integrity continues, but one thing is clear: the fallout from Seahawks–Buccaneers has shaken confidence in the league’s officiating more than any game this year.