Tomlin Fined $100K; Steelers May Lose Picks Ed Werder reacts to the news that Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was fined $100,000 for a sideline incident against the Ravens. Tomlin Fined $100K The NFL on Wednesday fined Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin $100,000 for interfering with a kickoff return in Thursday nights game against the Baltimore Ravens. More From RAGTIME ENT... BrownThe NFL made a statement with Mike Tomlins fine, and the threat of losing draft picks looms large for the Steelers, Scott Brown writes. Analysis -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HensleyThe NFLs $100,000 fine of Mike Tomlin and possibility of taking draft picks should satisfy the Ravens, Jamison Hensley writes. Analysis In addition, the league said it will consider a forfeiture of draft choices for the Steelers because Tomlins conduct affected a play on the field. The $100,000 fine is tied for the second-largest reported fine ever given to an NFL coach (2007 Bill Belichick -- $500,000). The league said Tomlins actions -- he was standing on the white stripe that borders the playing field and took a step onto the field during Jacoby Jones kickoff return -- should have resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. As I stated yesterday, I take full responsibility for my actions, and I apologize for causing negative attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, Tomlin said in a statement. I accept the penalty that I received. I will no longer address this issue as I am preparing for an important game this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he respected the process and everybody involved. We certainly respect the Steelers and Mike Tomlin completely. We never really thought for one second that there was intentionality there personally, he said. Steelers safety Ryan Clark said the idea that the Steelers could lose draft picks in this situation was stupid. Asked if it was fair for the league to leave the punishment open, he said, Its not supposed to be fair. Roger Goodell. When has he been fair? he said. SportsNation: Mike Tomlin fined $100K Clark said he applauded how Tomlin dealt with the situation. He accepted responsibility for it. He understands the wrong that he did and you like a man that accepts things and is accountable for his actions, he said. We all just want to be able to move on from it. Although Tomlin apologized for his actions Tuesday, he continued to maintain that he had no intention of affecting Jones return. Tomlin on Tuesday devoted the first 20 minutes of his weekly news conference to the play in which the Jones might have scored a touchdown had he not shifted direction because Tomlins right foot was on the field. I think for him it was to not run from it, to not seem like he was being standoffish about the situation, accept it as a head coach and as a man, Clark said. I think thats the reason he answered so many questions. On Tuesday, Tomlin struck a conciliatory tone -- and pretty much executed an about-face from his comments after the Steelers 22-20 loss last week, when he said he was in the white stripes that separate the sideline from the field because other coaches do the same thing.
Posted on: Thu, 05 Dec 2013 04:41:39 +0000
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