Mike Tomlin’s sideline move reportedly could cost Steelers a fine and draft pick

[madinmaryland]

http://nfl.si.com/2013/12/01/mike-tomlin-interference-fine-draft-pick/?eref=sihp



Whether or not the NFL believes Mike Tomlin’s claim that he did not intend to interfere with Jacoby Jones’ kick return, the league may hand down substantial punishments to the Steelers organization for the incident. CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reported Sunday that Pittsburgh may have to forfeit a draft pick and is “likely” to face “stiff financial penalties”.

Jones appeared headed to the end zone for a touchdown when he cut back off the sideline to avoid Tomlin, who for some reason was standing on the edge of the field of play. Pittsburgh’s Cortez Allen then tackled Jones and the Ravens had to settle for a field goal on the ensuing possession.

“I always watch the returns on the Jumbotron to provide a better perspective,” Tomlin said after Pittsburgh’s 22-20 loss, “and I obviously lost my placement.”
The Ravens were not quite convinced by that explanation.

“I took some flak kind of joking around at the Super Bowl saying that I was going to run out onto the field and tackle somebody if this guy breaks it,” Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco said, referencing San Francisco’s Super Bowl-ending attempt to score on a punt return. “I caught some flak for that. That’s exactly what he just did. He was looking at the big screen the whole entire time. He knew where he was. He knew where Jacoby was. He pulled my move.”

[RockaFowler]

1. There is another angle

Clearly Tomlin did this on purpose



http://deadspin.com/new-footage-shows-mike-tomlin-stepping-toward-the-field-1474951700

[Auggie]

2. Mental mistake IMO

[Iggo]

3. I don't believe him and I'm glad the league doesn't either.

Sure, football's a just dumb game. But at least follow the rules.

[Auggie]

4. On second thought … there's no way Tomlin did this intentionally.

The repercussions for interference are severe, as we're seeing. Risk a draft choice? No coach would do that.

[Goblinmonger]

5. I don't believe he did it on purpose.

Who would possibly think that would go unnoticed with the number of cameras on the field. I believe that he got wrapped up in watching it on the jumbotron and then got shocked into reality. He should have been penalized. Draft pick seems pretty stiff.

[Upton]

6. Even if you believe Tomlin's explanation..

and he was just looking at the Jumbotron, what he was doing is illegal and probably cost the Ravens a TD...which could have lost them the game and then playoff implications would have entered in. Tomlin would have never done this ordinarily, but in this case I think emotions got the best of him..

I don't think it's too heavy a punishment to dock the Steelers a late round draft pick..

[PeteSelman]

7. Definitely deliberate.

But it shouldn't cost the team a pick. A hefty fine and a suspension is appropriate.

How horrible was the officiating this week? It was like those scab refs were back. Brutal.