The NFL is leaning toward imposing six-figure fines against both Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and the organization after he impeded the path of Baltimore Raven kick returner Jacoby Jones by stepping on the field during the team's critical 22-20 Thanksgiving night loss to the defending Super Bowl champs.
According to ESPN, the league may also strip the Steelers of draft picks as additional punishment for Tomlin's misstep. The league is expected to hand down its discipline early this coming week, a source told the website, adding that Tomlin is not expected to be suspended.
After the Steelers closed to 13-7 in the third quarter, Jones shook free along the sidelines on the ensuing kick and appeared headed for the end zone before being slowed down by Tomlin who was pacing down the white stripe that borders the field of play with his back turned. Replays later showed the coach's foot actually was on the field of play at one point.
Tomlin was not penalized on the play and later claimed he never saw Jones coming. In a recent, somewhat similar incident, the NFL fined Jets strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi $100,000 in 2010 after he tripped a Miami Dolphins player.
ESPN adds several of Jones teammates have expressed disappointment he didn't simply run over Tomlin on the play instead of taking a detour back into the middle of the field where he was quickly tackled.
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