Rob Gronkowski was fined $7,500 earlier this month for spiking the ball too close to Jets defensive back Donald Strickland, but he’s going to wind up with the money back in his pocket.
The Patriots tight end will be given the same amount of money by the owner of the Worcester Sharks, a minor league hockey team in Worcester, Massachusetts. Michael A. Mudd told the Associated Press that he will give Gronkowski $7,500 and that Gronkowski will spike a ceremonial first puck before a Sharks game against the Providence Bruins in February.
“The Sharks are really excited that Gronkowski took us up on our offer,” Mudd said.
Gronkowski’s powerful spikes are becoming the stuff of legend, probably because he’s scoring touchdowns at a fantastic rate. His 20 touchdowns are the most ever by a tight end in his first two seasons and he’s scored five times in the last three weeks.