The Allen Iverson step over became part of Philadelphia sports lore during the 2001 NBA Finals. It showed up, albeit in a much more muted fashion in Tampa Bay last weekend, where the Eagles defeated the Buccaneers 31-25 in Week 4.
And it landed second-year Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean a $11,593 fine from the NFL, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. DeJean was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct/taunting after tackling and then stepping over Buccaneers running back Rachaad White.
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DeJean made the stop in the first quarter, limiting White to a 4-yard gain on a second-and-11. Unfortunately for the Iowa product, his step over resulted in a 15-yard penalty that gifted the Buccaneers a first down in a first half where Tampa Bay was hard-pressed for offense.
Eagles fans weren’t happy about the call, and their frustration could be heard online and in Raymond James Stadium, where plenty of Philadelphia faithful chanted “Cooooop” on the versatile defensive back’s best plays this past weekend.
DeJean appeared to intercept a Baker Mayfield flea-flicker pass the very next play and return it for 33 yards, but, upon review, the takeaway was nullified, as DeJean didn’t get fully under the ball before it hit the ground.
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The Eagles were penalized eight times for 83 yards against the Buccaneers. They’re currently tied for the fourth-most penalty yards committed this season.
Last week, Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was also fined $11,593 for taunting during the Eagles’ walk-off win over the Los Angeles Rams.
After Carter produced the first of Philadelphia’s two fourth-quarter field blocks that day, he turned to the Rams’ sideline and began speaking and gesturing to the opposition.
Carter, notably, was also fined $57,222 for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott before the first play from scrimmage in the league’s season opener.
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As for taunting penalties, they’ve been a topic of discussion this season as the NFL tries to cut back on what it deems as unsportsmanlike conduct.