NFL releases fine amounts, player appeals process for next season
The NFL and the NFL Players Association have released the amount of money players will fined for on-the-field infractions next season.
Details on the appeals process were also released.
The new fine amounts are a five percent increase over last season. The increase in the fines is stipulated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement and continues until the current CBA expires.
For example, any player flagged for making contact with an official or fighting will be fined $28,940, up from $27,562 last season.
A first offense for verbal or other nonphysical offense against an official, spearing, impermissible use of the helmet or hits on defenseless players will result in a first offense fine of $23,152.
Leg whips, horse collar tackle and roughing the passer penalties will cost players $17,363.
Cursing at opponents, officials or fans is now an $11,576 fine.
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All money collected from fines is directed to the NFL Player Care Foundation and the Gene Upshaw Players Association’s Player Assistance Trust.
Any player that wants to appeal a fine can request a hearing with the NFL. Cases are heard by former NFL linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks or Ted Cottrell. Once an appeal ruling has been decided, it is final.
Upon rejection of an appeal, the NFL collects the fine from the player’s next paycheck.
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The league’s biggest offenders last season for on-the-field violations were Tennessee Titans tight end Chase Coffman and Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham, who were each fined $30,000. Coffman purposely ran over a Baltimore Ravens assistant on the sidelines during a Week 10 game, and Graham twice dunked the ball over the goalpost while playing for the Saints in a preseason game against the Titans.
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