We mentioned it in the first item regarding the middle finger shown by Titans defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil to an official during today’s game against the Broncos, but the situation merits further discussion.
Cecil could be looking at a very significant fine.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello tells us for now that the fine will depend on the circumstances.
The circumstances suggest it will be a stiff one. Though players usually get a small fine for such conduct (last week, Lions safety Louis Delmas drew a fine of only $5,000 for showing his middle finger to the Metrodome crowd), non-players experience more dramatic consequences.
Last year, Titans owner Bud Adams took a $250,000 fine for showing two middle fingers at a home game against the Bills. In the offseason, the Jets fined coach Rex Ryan $50,000 for giving a middle finger at an MMA event in South Florida.
Ryan was off the clock and away from any NFL-sanctioned event, on his own time. Cecil did it on the sideline at work and in plain view of the cameras. Indeed, the image was broadcast by CBS.
So, yes, it likely will be an expensive fine for Cecil.
Complicating matters for Cecil will be the fact that he previously has been arrested for DUI. Though Cecil pleaded guilty to reckless driving, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen pointed out earlier today in the context of Jets receiver Braylon Edwards that Commissioner Roger Goodell has “intense disdain” for anyone who gets behind the wheel after a car after drinking alcohol.