Atlanta Falcons rookie outside linebacker Jacques Smith, who was ejected from the third exhibition game against the Tennessee Titans, was fined $8,268 for his actions, according to a league source.
Smith, who signed as an undrafted free agent out of Tennessee, got into it with Titans rookie offensive lineman Taylor Lewan late in the game. The confrontation led to Smith taking a punch at Lewan, leading to an unnecessary roughness penalty and the ejection.
As captured by the camera crews for HBO's "Hard Knocks," coach Mike Smith told Smith the play was "stupid," and defensive line coach Bryan Cox told Smith he might have cost himself a roster spot.
Smith signed a one-year non-guaranteed contract worth $420,000. He received a $5,000 signing bonus.
A number of players, including Smith, are fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster, with final cuts due by Saturday afternoon. Those players should get plenty of opportunities in tonight's preseason finale at Jacksonville.
The Falcons like Smith's toughness, when it doesn't cross the line. If Smith makes the active roster, he will earn a little more than $24,000 per week. If he winds up on the practice squad, he will make $6,300 per week.
