LIONS FINE UNAPOLOGETIC RAIOLA $7,500

The Detroit Lions have fined center Dominic Raiola $7,500 for flipping the bird to fans who were heckling the team during their loss to the Minnesota Vikings. “We have tremendous respect and appreciation for all of our fans and we believe Dominic’s behavior this past Sunday was not consistent with what we expect from members of our team,” Lions Executive VP and COO Tom Lewand said. “Our players, coaches and staff are held to high standards of sportsmanship and conduct. We are disappointed with Dominic’s behavior and apologize to any fans who were offended by it.” But while the Lions may be apologizing, Raiola isn’t. Appearing on Sporting News Radio, Raiola said he doesn’t think he should have to sit back and take it when fans are rude to him, and he encouraged fans who don’t like the team to stay home. “You know, if you’re not happy, why are you coming to the game? I understand that they haven’t seen a winner in eight years, so don’t come. Don’t come until we turn it around,” Raiola said. “If they want me to be quiet and just take it ... I don’t agree that I should do that.” Raiola has been with the Lions since 2001, when he was part of Matt Millen’s inaugural draft class. The Lions are 31-94 since then, and their .248 winning percentage is the worst eight-year stretch in the NFL since 1950.