In September 2010, Finnegan was fined $5,000 for throwing New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith to the ground by his helmet. In October 2010, Finnegan was fined $10,000 for unnecessary roughness after hitting Denver Broncos guard Chris Kuper after Kuper's helmet was off. After this incident, the NFL warned Finnegan that similar infractions in the future would lead to increased discipline. On November 28, 2010, Finnegan was involved in a fist fight with Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson. Finnegan and Johnson were ejected, and each subsequently fined $25,000.