In the past, NFL players who speak out against officiating have only been fined if they question a referee's integrity. But that's not the case with Washington cornerback Josh Norman.
The NFL fined Josh Norman $25,000 for criticizing an official. That’s unprecedented and dumb.
Norman is appealing the punishment, but it’s unlikely his argument will hold much weight –– despite the fact that he’s right.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The league docked Norman $25,000 this week for calling out field judge Brad Freeman, who officiated last week's contest in London between Washington and the Cincinnati Bengals. "Who is official 88? I've gotta know," Norman said."You suck. I’m just putting it out there. We play a physical game, they know that. We come here international game, it all goes out the window ... He needs to be reprimanded."
According to Pro Football Talk, Norman is appealing the fine and his case will be heard by either Roger Goodell or his designee. In a letter sent to Norman, the league says it’s disciplining him because the commissioner determined he’s engaged in conduct “detrimental to the integrity of, or public confidence in, the game of professional football.”
If that phrasing sounds familiar, it's because that's the same line of logic the NFL used to suspend Tom Brady four games for his alleged role in DeflateGate. A federal appeals court upheld Brady's suspension earlier this year, ruling that Article 46 of the collective bargaining agreement gives Goodell unilateral disciplinary authority when it comes to behavior that he deems to be detrimental to the integrity of the league.
There’s no precedent for the kind of fine Norman has received. But it appears unlikely he’ll be able to get it overturned. Norman was fined $10,000 last month for pretending to shoot a bow and arrow after an interception.
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