New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been fined $50,000 for "impermissible physical contact with an official" at the conclusion of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The NFL announced the fine Wednesday. Belichick was not aware of the fine when he addressed the media Wednesday morning, saying he would "respect" whatever the league decided.
He addressed the punishment in a statement released Wednesday afternoon.
"It was inappropriate for me to contact the official," he said in the statement. "I take responsibility for what happened. I accept the discipline and I apologize for the incident Sunday night in Baltimore."
Belichick grabbed the arm of line judge Esteban Garza as he was exiting the field after Baltimore kicked a winning field goal as time expired. On Monday, Belichick explained that he wanted an explanation as to whether the kick, which appeared to sail above and just inside the right upright, was being reviewed.
http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/8428027/nfl-hits-new-england-patriots-coach-bill-belichick-50k-fine]espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/8428027/nfl-hits-new-england-patriots-coach-bill-belichick-50k-fine[/url]
It's obvious that a fine was coming for this, but I'm still shocked by the fact that Bill Belichick seemed to have lost his cool for a few moments when he did that. I don't like him, but I respect him. Not only is he an amazing coach, but he is smart. He's usually smart enough to avoid altercations with referees, players, etc. It was rumored that he would be suspended. I kind of agree with just going with a fine here though.
The NFL announced the fine Wednesday. Belichick was not aware of the fine when he addressed the media Wednesday morning, saying he would "respect" whatever the league decided.
He addressed the punishment in a statement released Wednesday afternoon.
"It was inappropriate for me to contact the official," he said in the statement. "I take responsibility for what happened. I accept the discipline and I apologize for the incident Sunday night in Baltimore."
Belichick grabbed the arm of line judge Esteban Garza as he was exiting the field after Baltimore kicked a winning field goal as time expired. On Monday, Belichick explained that he wanted an explanation as to whether the kick, which appeared to sail above and just inside the right upright, was being reviewed.
http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/8428027/nfl-hits-new-england-patriots-coach-bill-belichick-50k-fine]espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/8428027/nfl-hits-new-england-patriots-coach-bill-belichick-50k-fine[/url]
It's obvious that a fine was coming for this, but I'm still shocked by the fact that Bill Belichick seemed to have lost his cool for a few moments when he did that. I don't like him, but I respect him. Not only is he an amazing coach, but he is smart. He's usually smart enough to avoid altercations with referees, players, etc. It was rumored that he would be suspended. I kind of agree with just going with a fine here though.
