BREAKING NEWS: NFL Delays, Then Announces Massive Punishment For Kansas City Chiefs Player Regarding Super Bowl

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards (21) and linebacker Nick Bolton (32) tackle San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) during the third quarter of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL chose to delay the announcement of disciplinary action against a Kansas City Chiefs player for an illegal play committed during their Super Bowl triumph over the San Francisco 49ers until Monday.

The NFL didn’t announce a fine on Saturday

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) runs with the ball against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) during the first quarter Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

As highlighted by Michael David Smith of NBC Sports over the weekend, the league typically issues announcements concerning fines for infractions from the previous week’s play on Saturdays. However, no such announcement was made this past Saturday. Analysts speculated that Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed might face fines for their actions during the Super Bowl.

The league opted to delay punishment for Bolton until President’s Day.

Nick Bolton received a hefty fine

Nov 5, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) carries the ball against Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Deutsche Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

According to Smith, the league confirmed on Monday that Bolton would receive a fine upwards of $8,000 for a horse-collar tackle:
Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton was the only player fined for an on-field, safety-related violation in Super Bowl LVIII.

Bolton was flagged for a horse-collar tackle on 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy during the second quarter of the game. And now the NFL has confirmed that Bolton was also fined $8,238 for the penalty.
Here’s a video of the horse-collar tackle Bolton was fined for, per WC Sports TV:

There goes some gambling money

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) celebrates after a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Punishing Bolton for that seems like an insignificant move. The $8,000 fine could have been fun money for Bolton’s Las Vegas trip, especially if Mahomes delivers on his promise to bring the Chiefs roster back to the strip after the Super Bowl.