Chad Ochocinco and Mason Foster were introduced to each other last week during a preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots. Foster actually handled the introductions, leveling Ochocinco with a punishing hit. It was great, and what we've come to expect of Foster from his time here in the Northwest with the Washington Huskies.
However, the referees on the field didn't think it was so great, and flagged Foster for unnecessary roughness. Protecting defenseless receives is a big deal in the NFL, and Foster's hit was seen as over-the-top at the time. Except it wasn't, of course.
Following the hit, the attention turned to the inevitable fine Foster would face. But Ochocinco actually took everything in stride, tweeting the following at Foster the day after the game.
@Mason_Foster great hit last night,if u're fined I'll reimburse u boss.That's the way the game should b played.Stay healthy n have a good yr
We later found out Ochocinco would not be allowed to pay Foster's fine. Foster was hit with a $20,000 penalty for his hit, but Ochocinco is persisting. On Wednesday, he tweeted the following at Roger Goodell.
@nflcommish Dad no disrespect but I don't agree with @mason_foster fine n I'll be reimbursing him personally.Please feel free to contact me
While it's hilarious he calls Goodell dad, it's nice to see Ochocinco stepping up and encouraging Foster for a play he didn't see as dirty. I'll be curious to see if he follows through and is able to pay back Foster, but whether or not it happens this whole situation has been funny to watch play out. Maybe Ochocinco isn't so bad after all.