Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wants to pay his $100,000 fine and move on.
Tomlin, who was fined $100,000 by the NFL for standing on the field in the path of Ravens kickoff returner Jacoby Jones on Thanksgiving, issued a statement confirming that he accepts the punishment (not that he had much of a choice) and adding that he doesn’t want to talk about it any longer.
“As I stated yesterday, I take full responsibility for my actions, and I apologize for causing negative attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. 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 said.
It’s easy to see why Tomlin doesn’t want to talk about the issue any longer, although he’s sure to be questioned about it for at least several more months, as the NFL has announced that it will also consider stripping draft choices from the Steelers as part of Tomlin’s punishment. Forfeiture of draft picks will make this a story in the NFL long after Tomlin wants to move on.