EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — A week after he caused 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to be hit with a penalty for using inappropriate language, the Chicago Bears’ Lamarr Houston was flagged for the same violation Monday night.
The Bears defensive end was called for the unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty after a 2-yard run by Jets running back Chris Johnson in the second quarter. The 15-yard penalty helped set up the only touchdown of the game for the Jets in the Bears’ 27-19 victory.
“I don’t know,” Houston said when asked what precipitated the penalty. “(Umpire Tony Michalek) thought I cussed at him, but all I said was ‘back up’ because he was all up on Willie (Young) and I just told him to back up some. I guess he was intimidated by it or whatever.”
Young and safety Danny McCray were credited with the tackle on the play.
The NFL did not make a rule change this season, but officials are closely monitoring action for use of racial slurs. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported Kaepernick used the N-word last week when he was penalized. In the Levi’s Stadium locker room after the game, Houston told the Tribune he didn’t hear anything.
Now that Glazer’s report has been out there — though denied by Kaepernick — Houston confirmed that is what happened.
“He was just saying inappropriate language,” Houston told the Tribune on Monday night at MetLife Stadium. He said Kaepernick cursed at him, including using the N-word.
Asked if he was insulted, Houston said it’s more a “cultural thing.” Houston reiterated that he incensed Kaepernick on the play by saying “nice pass” at the end of a Kyle Fuller interception.
Kaepernick was fined $11,025 by the NFL. We’ll see if a similar fine is in the offing for Houston.
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