While NFL officials don’t always catch everything that happens on the field, the eye in the sky does.
San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha could find that out the hard way this week after a dirty hit on Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs on Monday Night Football in Week 6.
If Mustapha is fined, he made the most of the moment — the hit forced an incompletion on a 3rd-and-5 pass from quarterback Jayden Daniels to Diggs that would have been a first down. It also appeared to injure Diggs’ hand.
The Commanders settled for a field goal, and the 49ers scored on the ensuing drive to make the score 13-3.
Mustapha Called Out Quickly Over Dirty Hit
While the officials may have missed the call on Mustapha, you know who didn’t? The millions of people watching the game — including Monday Night Football broadcast team Troy Aikman and Joe Buck.
“I think Mustapha got away with one right there,” Aikman said.
“THIS IS AN AWFUL MISSED CALL BY THE REFS: 49ers safety Malik Mustapha delivered an illegal hit to the head and neck area of a Commanders WR Stefon Diggs, which according to the ESPN broadcast should have been a penalty,” ML Football wrote on its official X account. “THIS COMPLETELY CHANGED THE DRIVE FROM 7 POINTS TO 3. Unbelievable.”
Mustapha Fined for Non-Call Against Seahawks
Mustapha was fined last week for a hit the refs missed in a win over the Seattle Seahawks.
From Pro Football Talk on October 16: “During Sunday’s game between the 49ers and the Seahawks, a more consequential miss happened — and the league’s decision to impose a fine acknowledges it. With 1:13 to play and the Seahawks facing first and 10 from the 50, Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold threw a pass to receiver Jaxon Smith-Njiba. Fox’s Kevin Burkhardt called the reception a “wicked hit” from 49ers safety Malik Mustapha. The hit was also illegal, in the eyes of the league office. Mustapha was fined $6,998 for the blow that left Smith-Njigba rattled after the play. (Mustapha apparently responded to the fine by posting a one-word message — “soft” — on social media).”
49ers Defender Facing Possible Fine for Dirty Hit on Commanders WR Stefon Diggs