Marshawn Lynch Rightfully Fined For Obscene Gesture During Touchdown
By Michael Terrill
@MichaelTerrill
Getty Images
We all knew it was coming. It was just a matter of how much the fine would be. Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has done his fair share of stirring the pot this season with the NFL, which mostly includes his unprofessional attitude towards the media. However, one act the league will not forgive is obscene gestures, especially ones directed at opponents, and unsportsmanlike conduct.
The NFL fined Lynch $11,050 for what was essentially a mid-air crotch grab directed towards the Arizona Cardinals defense after his epic touchdown run during Seattle’s 35-6 beat down of Arizona Sunday night. It was the second time in his career in which he performed the specific end zone celebration, something he told ESPN a year ago was “The statement. … You’ve got to finish it off somehow.”
The only statement being made is that Lynch is clearly in it for himself. There is no denying he is a phenomenal football player. In fact, he is the top reason why the Seahawks have the No. 1 run offense in the NFL in 2014. Unfortunately, his attitude is embarrassing for that of a grown man. I am all for awesome touchdown celebrations, but what Lynch did is nothing more than immature.
At some point, the league is going to crack down hard. Yes, the large fines certainly will add up, but they are basically pocket change for someone making as much money as Lynch does in a given year through his NFL salary and endorsements. There has to be something bigger in order to prevent his type of behavior going forward. In all honesty, it appears it is just a matter of time before he does something to warrant a harsher punishment.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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