Cooper DeJean punished for Allen Iverson-inspired move against Buccaneers
The Eagles cornerback stood menacingly over Bucs running back Rachaad White, mimicking Iverson’s famous 2001 Finals step-over.
The Philadelphia Eagles are one of only two undefeated teams left in the NFL after four weeks, riding a dominant defense that has punished opponents with relentless physicality. That same edge, though, has now cost one of their top players a fine.
DeJean channels Iverson in viral moment
Cornerback Cooper DeJean was fined $11,593 by the league for taunting after a play in the Eagles’ Week 4 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The incident came in the first quarter, when DeJean brought down running back Rachaad White and then stood over him in a move that mimicked Allen Iverson’s legendary “step-over” on Tyronn Lue in the 2001 NBA Finals.
Officials immediately threw a flag for taunting, penalizing Philadelphia 15 yards. The gesture sparked plenty of buzz online, but the NFL’s discipline office wasn’t amused.
DeJean building on stellar rookie year
DeJean, a former Iowa standout, is now in his second NFL season and building on a stellar rookie year that saw him finish fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. In his first season, he tallied 51 tackles, six passes defended, three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble, despite playing just 63 percent of the Eagles’ defensive snaps.
This year, DeJean hasn’t left the field. He’s played every defensive snap for Philadelphia through four games, already racking up 31 tackles and three passes defended. Quarterbacks targeting him have completed only 16 passes for 142 yards on 25 attempts, underscoring his growing reputation as a lockdown corner.
The fine might sting, but the Eagles will happily take DeJean’s physicality and swagger as they continue their unbeaten start.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.