DK Metcalf ‘not trippin’ at NFL-high unsportsmanlike fine, for protesting to an official

For protesting to an official, DK Metcalf got fined more than many new cars cost.

In Seattle’s last game Metcalf yelled and pointed in what appeared to be the direction of NFL 15-year veteran side judge Allen Baynes, after officials did not penalize Tampa Bay cornerback Jamel Dean for some contact during Geno Smith’s throw toward Metcalf. The play was at the goal line in the third quarter of a 14-0 game in Munich Seattle went on to lose 21-16 on Nov. 13.

It didn’t appear egregious. Those watching in Allianz Arena in Germany were surprised to see Metcalf get penalized. Spend any time on a NFL football field during any game and the language is, well, as colorful as the fans in the stands — though not always toward a game official.

Yet Baynes threw a penalty flag on Metcalf as he was jogging off the field for fourth down.

“I mean, it’s the NFL. So I’m not trippin’,” Metcalf said of his large fine Tuesday, upon his team’s return from its bye week off to practice for Sunday’s home game between the Seahawks (6-4) and Las Vegas (3-7).

Metcalf’s fine was $29,785. The league notified him last week.

It was was about three times what the league docked San Francisco’s Dre Greenlaw last week for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert hours after Metcalf’s beef in Germany. Like Metcalf, Greenlaw got penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. Unlike Metcalf, Greenlaw got ejected from his game.

What could Metcalf possibly have uttered that drew a $30,000 fine?

“You’ve got to ask the $30,000 ref that,” he said, smiling.

“I don’t think it was that big of a deal, in my opinion.”

This fine isn’t exactly going to crush Metcalf. He is earning a base salary of $1 million with a $30 million cash signing bonus this year. That’s part of the $72 million contract extension he signed with Seattle this summer.

But to him, it’s the principle of the matter.

There have been 25 reported fines for unsportsmanlike conduct across the league through 11 weeks this season, according to Spotrac.com. Metcalf’s is the most expensive sanction for the infraction. He got fined $6,000 more than the next-most-expensive unsportsmanlike fine, to Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase in week one.

The average fine for an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty in the NFL this season is $12,231.

NFL rules state unsportsmanlike conduct can draw a $12,875 fine for a first offense and a fine of $18,025 for a second offense.

The 24-year-old Metcalf has been drawing the league’s and officials’ attention the last few years.

Last November he was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct fighting with Green Bay’s Darnell Savage late in Seattle’s frustrating, 17-0 loss at the Packers.

“I’ve gotta grow up,” Metcalf said three days after that ejection.

Also in 2021 officials penalized Metcalf for unsportsmanlike conduct in Seattle’s win over Jacksonville and taunting in his team’s opening win at Indianapolis. That latter penalty came as Metcalf’s then-teammate Gerald Everett was scoring a touchdown. Metcalf was woofing into the face of a Colts player about the score. They were well behind the play.

Metcalf said Seahawks coach Pete Carroll talked to him after each of those three penalties last season about not letting emotions and opponents take him out of his game.

In 2020 Metcalf got an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty during the Seahawks’ blowout win over the New York Jets. That was for comically jumping into a concrete well behind the end zone at Lumen Field after he caught a touchdown pass from Russell Wilson then commandeering a television camera.

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He got fined $6,131 for that.

After his latest penalty in Seattle’s last game, Jason Myers kicked a field goal for the team’s first points in Germany. Carroll then walked over to Metcalf on the sideline. They were away from teammates.

Carroll offered reassuring words, affirmative head nods and a tap on Metcalf’s side.

Metcalf showed his appreciation for his coach by tapping him on the chest as Carroll walked away.

Metcalf said Tuesday instead of berating him for the 15-yard penalty Carroll wanted to hear the wide receiver’s explanation of what he did.

“I know he’s always got my back. He’s always got my best interests at heart, and he’s looking to win,” Metcalf said.

“Just for him to come over and talk to me until I can calm, he can get the full story on my end and from the official, really just shows the trust and the relationship that we have.”