The NFL fined Patriots coach Bill Belichick $50,000 and Redskins assistant Kyle Shanahan $25,000 for their conduct toward replacement officials.
The fines come as the league and the referees’ union were meeting amid reports they were close to ending the lockout of the regular officials (see story, A1).
Belichick grabbed an official’s arm at the end of Sunday night’s game after the Ravens kicked a winning field goal. Shanahan was cited by the league for “abuse of officials” in Washington’s loss to Cincinnati.
“It was inappropriate for me to contact the official. I take responsibility for what happened,” Belichick said in a statement.
Shanahan, son of Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, was called for unsportsmanlike conduct for berating officials in the final seconds of the Redskins’ 38-31 loss. He also confronted an official in a stadium tunnel after the game.
EX-HUSKY TO START
Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano said Daniel Te’o-Nesheim will start at defensive end after Adrian Clayborn was put on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Te’o-Nesheim was a third-round pick in 2010 after setting the school record for career sacks (30) and starting all 49 games while at the University of Washington.
EXTRA POINTS
Downtown Las Vegas casino The D Las Vegas (formerly Fitzgeralds) took an unusual step and offered refunds to gamblers who bet on Green Bay and lost money when the Seahawks won on a controversial touchdown. … Bears Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte said he expects to play Monday night against the Cowboys after missing a game because of a sprained right ankle. … Bills running back Fred Jackson is taking a wait-and-see approach regarding his chances to play against New England after returning to practice for the first time in nearly three weeks since spraining his right knee. … The Cardinals will be without running back Beanie Wells for at least seven games because of a severe turf toe injury as Arizona placed Wells on the NFL’s new injured reserve/designated for return list. … Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi will miss tonight’s game against the Ravens with an injured hamstring. … The Raiders signed free agent defensive end Andre Carter, a Pro Bowl player last season for New England and the No. 6 overall pick in 2001 out of Cal. Carter has been sidelined by a torn left quadriceps tendon since December. … Jets running back Joe McKnight will practice at cornerback to help offset the loss of All-Pro Darrelle Revis, who’s likely out for the season with a knee injury. … Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers, the No. 14 overall pick out of LSU, could make his debut against Seattle after recovering from a high right ankle sprain. … Dolphins running back Reggie Bush (sprained left knee) said he expects to play against Arizona. he was injured Sunday in a game against the Jets.
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