NFL also considering draft punishment.
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has received a $100,000 fine for interfering with a kick-off return during Thursday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The NFL confirmed the punishment on Wednesday, and additionally will consider a forfeiture of draft choices because of Tomlin’s conduct which affected a play on the field.
Tomlin was adjudged to have been standing on the white stripe that borders the playing field and took a step onto the field during Jacoby Jones’ kickoff return.
While that should have resulted in an automatic 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, the NFL have acted retrospectively and have yet to rule out the possibility of taking further action against the Steelers with regards to their draft picks.
“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, as reported by ESPN.
“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.”
Tomlin continues to insist that it was a genuine mistake and that he had no intention of affecting Jones’ return, while opposite number John Harbaugh has conceded that he respects the Steelers and their coach and believes it wasn’t intentional.
Additionally, Steelers safety Ryan Clark believes that it would be “stupid” if the franchise lost their future draft picks because of the incident. However, he also risked the wrath of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell by asking when the official “has been fair”.
Tomlin continues to apologise for his mistake, but will now have to pay what is the second-largest fine ever given to a coach in the NFL, with Bill Belichick leading the way with a $500,000 fine back in 2007.
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