NFL Must Fine Marshawn Lynch More Than $20,000 For Obscene Gestures
By Michael Terrill
@MichaelTerrill
Getty Images
To the surprise of no one, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch made an obscene gesture after scoring his lone touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game. In what has become part of a routine, the NFL fined Lynch $20,000 for the act.
The issue is not just Lynch acting ridiculous during his touchdown celebrations, although it is certainly getting old fast. The real problem is the NFL is not coming down hard enough on him. The league needs to start increasing the amount of which they fine him for his obscene gestures. Even though $20,000 is a lot of money to the average person, it clearly is not enough for him to consider stop doing his childish antics.
Technically, the league did up the ante on his fines from his previous penalty. In late December after a win over the Arizona Cardinals, Lynch had to pay $11,050 for what was essentially a mid-air crotch grab directed towards Arizona’s defense to cap off an epic touchdown run.
One can only assume the NFL will have their opportunity to lay the hammer down on Lynch at some point over the next week and a half leading up to Super Bowl XLIX. He is notorious for not talking to the media when he is required to do so, which has forced the league to fine him $50,000 in the past. Early reports have suggested the NFL is very seriously considering fining him much more in order to get the message across.
Lynch will be required to speak to reporters Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. If he fails to do so on any of those days, expect to see the league flex their muscles and do what needs to be done.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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