49ers Safety Malik Mustapha Fined for Illegal Hit on Seahawks Receiver

Malik Mustapha, a safety for the San Francisco 49ers, was fined $6,998 for an illegal hit on Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba during their recent game. The incident occurred with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, when Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold attempted a pass that was disrupted by Mustapha's hit.

The league office deemed the hit illegal, as it involved contact with a defenseless player, although the game officials did not throw a flag at the time. Had the penalty been called, the Seahawks would have gained a first down at the 49ers' 35-yard line with 1:09 remaining in a closely contested game.

Despite the fine, the Seahawks were unable to capitalize on the situation, missing a crucial conversion shortly after the hit. The league's decision to impose a fine suggests that the officials missed a significant call during the game.