Last month, Pats coach Bill Belichick was fined $50,000 for grabbing an official by the arm after a game. Now, Vikings safety Harrison Smith has been fined nothing for shoving an official during a game.
The league office tells PFT that Smith, who was ejected from the game, won’t be fined.
No reasoning has been provided, but the NFL apparently has accepted Smith’s explanation that he didn’t realize he was shoving an official. But that’s an excuse any player can use.
Regardless of the basis for the decision, the failure to fine Smith undermines the notion that officials are untouchable.
In 2009, Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley was ejected for making contact with an official while protesting a call -- and Stokley was fined $25,000.