We’ve seen a lot of NFL fines over the years, but nothing quite like this.
Adam Caplan of Sirius/XM NFL Radio reports that Ravens center Matt Birk was informed of a $5,000 fine for not wearing a microphone during Baltimore’s last game. He’s going to appeal the fine.
The NFL has mandated the use of microphones for either the starting center or both starting guards in order to enhance television broadcasts. As Florio mentioned before, this mandate has brought out the worst in ridiculous paranoia from NFL coaches.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if these fines become a weekly occurrence until players learn the hard way.