Cutler’s Wallet Lighter

By: Stephen Rhodes

NFL players complaining both during and after a game is fairly commonplace during the regular season. Getting fined by the league usually depends on the circumstances of the offense in question. Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler found out the hard way as the NFL fined him $20,000 for verbally abusing an official during Chicago’s 41-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Sunday.

Interestingly enough, his teammate, Tommie Harris, was fined $7,500 for throwing a punch an opponent in the very same game. so let me get this straight: Cutler verbally assaulting an official digs deeper in your wallet than physically assaulting an opponent? Hmmm. Perhaps the league should switch that around. Not that I am suggesting that Cutler punch someone (not a bright idea), but seriously, the NFL should get their fining priorities straight.

If Harris had thrown a punch that could have ended a player’s season – or worse, his career – would the league fine him the same amount? If someone has an idea as to the league’s rationale in reference to their fining system, please let me know. It seems a bit skewed, in my humble opinion.