NFL needs to rethink fine policies

By: Michael Tellier

The NFL needs to rethink what constitutes a fine.  Running back Frank Gore of the San Francisco 49ers was fined $10,500 last season for wearing his socks to low during a playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons. Now I understand that maybe Gore’s socks were not up to par with the leagues mandated uniform policy, but this high of a fine is just ridicules.

Not only does the league need to reevaluate what constitutes a fine, but also the severity of the fines.  During the Patriots playoff game with the Baltimore Ravens last season Tom Brady slid on the ground with his cleat pointed up at safety Ed Reed’s knee.  Brady was later fined $10,000 for the dangerous slide.  It could just be me, but isn’t purposely endangering the health of another NFL player a little more serious than wearing your socks to low during a game.  It sounds like a no brainer to me.

Buffalo Bills Wide receiver Stevie Johnson is another example of someone who should have been dealt with more seriously.  In a recent tweet, Johnson joked that N. Korea should bomb Foxboro.  Not long after that tweet the Boston Marathon bombing happened.  Now I’m not saying that Johnson’s tweet had anything to do with the location of the bombing or the bombing itself.  But I am saying that as a professional athlete he needs to choose his words more carefully.  Death is not something to joke about. 

I’m not sure if Johnson was fined for his tweet, but if he was, I sure hope he was fined more than someone who wore his socks to low during a game.  And if he wasn’t fined, than the NFL needs to seriously reevaluate the way they think.