The images of four helmet-to-helmet hits on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton are lasting, and the fines to Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart and linebacker Brandon Marshall were costly ($18,231 for Stewart and $24,309 for Marshall).
But when it comes to Sunday's Panthers-49ers game, former NFL referee Gerry Austin said the officiating approach should remain consistent despite national scrutiny following the season opener.
"Whatever happened to Cam last week, whatever Cam said to the news media, you should not allow it to affect yourself," said Austin, who worked 25 years in the NFL and has refereed Super Bowls.