Trueblood not taking fine lightly

Bucs right tackle Jeremy Trueblood didn't just take his $15,000 fine in stride.

Trueblood said today he intends to appeal the penalty handed down by the NFL last week for his inadvertent contact with an official during a late-game fracas in last week's Cardinals-Bucs game.

Trueblood was ejected after a run-in with defensive linemen Darnell Dockett and Calvin Pace of the Cardinals. While coming to the defense of teammate Davin Joseph, Trueblood unintentionally made contact with an official. The 2007 NFL fine schedule mandates a minimum fine of $15,000 for such offenses. It does not contain any exceptions that deal with intent. Instead, it is a blanket rule that covers "physical contact with an official."

It doesn't appear that Trueblood has much of a case based on the language. However, the league can use its discretion in these matters and reduce the fine, where appropriate. Funny thing is, Trueblood's $15,000 fine cost him more than the $10,000 minimum for a flagrant personal foul.

Maybe common sense will prevail and the fine will be reduced. Then again, Trueblood should have kept his composure and not let things escalate, even if the Cardinals appear to have instigated the whole thing. Gotta keep your head on those situations and not cost your team critical penalty yardage.

We'll see whether Trueblood is successful in getting "a few pennies back," as he said today. Heck, with the price of gas, I suppose even a guy making $360,000 this season can't afford to give money away.

Comments

[Skylar]

Its good to see a little emotion out of our O-line for a change. I think these guys are going to be a strong line for years to come.

[Kinn Corn Karn]

I agree. It's the one area of the team that seems well intact for several years to come. Now, if we could just shore up the WR position!!!!!

[NMbucsfan]

how 'bout they slap a fine on the dude who had the neutral zone infractions, slapping the ball before the snap?