Posted on 12/19/2003 7:15:10 AM PST by leadpencil1
Edited on 05/07/2004 7:28:06 PM PDT by Jim Robinson. [history]
CINCINNATI
(Excerpt) Read more at clarionledger.com ...
By Scott M. Johnson
Pro Football Report
Seeing as how the National Football League has felt compelled to send bills out to every player whose name does not start with an X, I thought it appropriate to ask why there has been a sudden surge in fines this week.
That will be $5,000, please.
What was that? Who said that?
Anyway, back to my point. Joe Horn might have pushed the envelope - or the send button, for that matter - a bit too far on Sunday when he reached out to touch someone. But $30,000? Isn't that a bit excessive?
We're talking a brand new car here.
That'll be another $2,500.
What? What's going on here?
You heard me: $2,500 for using the word "excessive."
Yeah, whatever. Anyway, the league went so far as to fine Jon Kitna this week for - get this - wearing a baseball cap with a cross on it. Even Jesus can't get a break from Paul Tagliabue.
Another $2,500, please.
For what?
For using the Lord's name in vain.
I didn't use anyone's name in vain. I was simply pointing out that Jon Kitna got fined for loving Jesus too publicly.
I didn't mean Jesus' name. I meant Paul Tagliabue's.
My bad. The point is, things are getting out of hand. I mean, I can understand why Joe Horn's celebration might have been a bit out of line. But this is entertainment, is it not?
I asked an old Seahawks veteran how he felt about it, and the reaction was predictable.
Cornerback Willie Williams, still a week shy his 33rd birthday, sometimes gives off the impression that he's been playing football since the days of leather helmets. That's especially true when he talks about the younger generation of athletes.
I'm going to have to ask you to pay another $5,000.
For what now?
You contacted Mr. Williams during non-designated hours.
Won't happen again.
So back to the Williams story. This guy's such a throwback that not even Michael Vick's arm could reach him.
Back in his day, Williams contends that end-zone celebrations were tame.
"Spiking the ball, dancing, that was it," he said. "That was the only thing. Now you've got guys with Sharpies in their socks, hiding cell phones under the goal post, making signs. I'm like, man, this is crazy."
At that point, I made the mistake of chuckling, picturing the antics of some spotlight-hungry receivers.
"You might laugh at it," Williams said with piercing eyes, "but it's not funny."
Seriously. This is no laughing matter to these guys.
Neither are the fines. All the money handed out by players this week could approach the six-figure mark.
Not quite six figures.
I said, "approach."
That'll be $10,000 for correcting me. Now we're over $100,000. Carry on.
Unbelieveable. OK, so the money is piling up like nobody's business. But don't expect Tagliabue to buy a new home in Maui. All the cash from NFL fines goes to charitable causes.
You don't believe me? Call the NFL public relations people. They can give you the names of each charity that benefits from every fine. They're happy to do it.
That's another $5,000, son.
What did I say?
Happy? You try fielding phone calls from sportswriters all day. That doesn't make us happy. I've got a 5-year-old who puts more thought into his out questions. That'll be $2,500 more for ticking me off.
I'd better stop while I'm ahead. All I wanted to say was ...
See, now I've forgotten my point. I guess I wanted to bring up the fact that the NFL is fine-happy, but that it's OK because the money is all going to a good cause.
You call that a point?
You got me flustered.
The Chicago Bears' offense is better at putting up points.
My fault. How much?
Let's say $7,500.
That works. I'm going to quit while I'm ahead.
And I HATE Paul Tagliabue....
Ignoring for the moment whether or not he should be wearing it, the above statement is misinterpreted by many, IMO.
Kitna said he plans to appeal the fine.
Submitting but appealing?
Isn't that a contradiction?
Of course this refers to legitimate authority and not the rule of some anti-Christian bigot. If anybody knows how to reach Kitna please send him this Bible verse.
"We must obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29)
Oh, and where does it say legitimate in reference to this? You're Acts verse to a point does, but not entirely.
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