Jets coach Rex Ryan was fined $100,000 last weekend for using profanity. Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch faces an identical punishment for not using profanity. Or any other words.
Per a league source, the NFL has threatened to fine Lynch $100,000 if he fails to speak to the media after Sunday’s game against the Chiefs.
The amount comes from the $50,000 fine that was imposed then suspended last year for failing to speak to the media. When the NFL lifted the fine, it also warned Lynch that future failure to cooperate would result in reinstatement of the fine, plus another $50,000.
While the requirement that players speak to the media is aimed at allowing the media to serve as the conduit to the fans, fans typically side with players who are fined for refusing to speak to the media. That’s likely what will happen in this case, too, especially since the NFL has spent much of the season unable to get out of its own way on matters such as the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson cases.
If someone is going to be fined $100,000 for bungling the Rice investigation or reneging on the agreement to reinstate Peterson, then go ahead and fine Lynch for not talking to the media. If the door isn’t going to swing both ways, then let Lynch stay silent if he chooses to do so.