Bill Belichick’s decision to grab an official as he left the field on Sunday night is going to cost him $50,000.
The NFL announced on Wednesday afternoon that Belichick has been fined $50,000 for his actions, which came just after the Ravens had beaten the Patriots 31-30 in a game that had players, coaches and fans of both teams ripping the NFL’s replacement referees.
Belichick’s fine is the hardest any coach has been hit yet for actions toward the officials this season. Broncos coach John Fox was previously fined $30,000, Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was fined $25,000 and Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan was fined $25,000.
Immediately following the game on Sunday, an obviously angry Belichick said he didn’t see any reason he should be fined. A day later, Belichick softened his tone toward the officials, saying he meant no disrespect and just wanted to ask whether the Ravens’ game-winning field goal would be reviewed on instant replay. The NFL’s fine is a statement that no matter the reason, a coach putting his hands on the officials won’t be tolerated.