NFL players who decide to air their grievances with the refs in a public setting do so knowing they’re probably going to have a fine set their way, but Aaron Rodgers was reportedly spared that fate despite his pretty forceful takedown of the zebras in a game earlier this month.
On Thursday night, yet another NFL game was marred by some absolutely atrocious officiating after the refs somehow failed to notice the blatant facemask on Sam Darnold that should have negated the safety that sealed the deal for the Rams.
Both Darnold and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell declined to make a huge fuss about the botched no-call after the contest, and while you could argue they realized there was no real use in doing so because it wouldn’t change the outcome, it’s safe to assume they also knew some money would be coming out of their paychecks if they went off on the refs.
The NFL’s ban on that particular practice isn’t codified in the same manner as other infractions that are accompanied by fines dictated by the collective bargaining agreement, but according to ESPN, the league’s policy manual states “public criticism by players or club employees of game officials or officiating is prohibited and is subject to fines and/or suspensions.”
Last season, Myles Garrett, Patrick Mahomes, and Andy Reid were among the list of players and coaches who got hit with some financial retribution for voicing their disdain with the refs, and it seemed safe to assume Aaron Rodgers was going to join that club based on the route he decided to go when the Jets were hit with 11 penalties for 110 yards during their 23-20 loss to the Bills on October 14th.
Rodgers declined to bite his tongue while discussing some of those calls after the contest, saying:
““It seemed a little ridiculous, Yeah, some of them seemed really bad—including the roughing the passer on me. That’s not roughing the passer…I thought the one on [Javon] Kinlaw was not roughing the passer, either.”
The NFL doesn’t formally announce fines stemming from those verbal rebukes, but according to Pro Football Talk, the league decided to let Rodgers’ comments slide based on sources who told the outlet the powers that be declined to levy any punishment against the QB over the remarks.
I’d like to tell you this is a sign the NFL is easing up on players and coaches who are rightfully frustrated with terrible calls, but it’s probably just another example of its uneven and unpredictable approach to internal discipline.
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Aaron Rodgers Somehow Avoided A Fine After Criticizing Refs In Postgame Rant
Pinoy Human Rights
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