Baker Mayfield bends the rules again amid ZYN controversy as NFL hits him with a fresh fine

Right now, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is among the NFL's most hotly-debated players. Sure, Mayfield leads the NFL with 18 touchdown es and has the Buccaneers in position to win a fourth successive NFC South championship. But most fans have been talking about the former #1 overall pick's ZYN usage, which cameras caught during the Bucs' loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday.

Mayfield was seen using ZYN, which are tobacco-free nicotine pouches, during the third quarter of Tampa Bay's eventual 41-31 home defeat to Baltimore. It prompted immediate discussion about the NFL rules and whether Mayfield would be fined -- or even suspended -- for using the controversial product.

Mayfield fined more than $10,000

Mayfield has indeed been slapped with a fine by the NFL...but not necessarily for his ZYN usage. The league has decided to punish Mayfield for a facemask grab on Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith.

The incident happened during a Mayfield scramble in the third quarter. As he tried to evade Smith, Mayfield tugged on the former Georgia star's facemask, warranting a fine of exactly $11,255. Smith was fined more than $16,000 for his hip-drop tackle on receiver Chris Godwin -- who sustained a dislocated ankle on the play, ending his 2024 season.

Still, Mayfield will probably feel a bit relieved that he avoided a separate fine -- or worse -- for his ZYN usage. Instead, the NFL has sent Mayfield a reminder not to use the product in-game, and the league's top touchdown er can focus fully on a huge divisional matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in Week 8 action.