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NFL Forced to Admit Mistake as 49ers Player Punished Over Illegal Jaxon Smith-Njigba Hit That Referees Ignored

The San Francisco 49ers had a 32-29 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5, and the fines for the game arrived on Saturday. What’s interesting is that the NFL decided to fine a 49ers safety after a controversial hit…

By Hetal Moleshri · Essentially Sports

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 9:52 PM

Key Things to Know

The NFL fined 49ers safety Malik Mustapha $6,998 for an unpenalized illegal hit on Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
The missed personal foul occurred with 1:13 remaining during the 49ers' 32-29 victory over Seattle.
Following the fine announcement, Mustapha posted the word "soft" on his Instagram story.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The NFL fined San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha $6,998 for an unflagged hit on defenseless Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba during Week 5. The play occurred with 1:13 remaining in San Francisco's 32-29 victory, signaling the league's admission that on-field officials missed a crucial personal foul that would have extended Seattle's final drive.

Following the fine, Mustapha posted the word "soft" on an Instagram story. The report noted that while retroactive fines hold players accountable, they cannot alter game outcomes or restore lost possessions, leaving missed calls in critical late-game moments a point of frustration.

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