The National Football League is one of the most popular and successful organizations in the world. The amount of people that follow American football is staggering. Reportedly, about 111.5 million people watched the Seahawks annihilate the Broncos during last year's super bowl. It makes sense that a lot of responsibility would come with such a reputation. However, sometimes the league gets out of hand with its attempts at maintaining public opinion. This was perfectly exemplified when the Seattle Seahawk's running back, Marshawn Lynch, received a $100 fine for not talking to the media. Richard Sherman, another Seahawk's team member, proved that he agreed, when he ridiculed the league in a press conference.
Marshawn Lynch has scored 67 touchdowns during his career, and 9 of those were this season alone. So, one would think that the Seattle staff could have done more to defend such a big-time breadwinner. Instead, according to ESPN, Lynch caught the full blow of the citation:
"Marshawn Lynch has been fined $50,000 for violating the NFL's media policy, the league said Wednesday. In addition, the league will collect the $50,000 fine that was imposed on Lynch following violations of the media policy during the 2013 season but held in abeyance in anticipation of his future cooperation. The NFL media policy mandates that players must be available to the media during the practice week at the team facility and in the locker room after all games. Lynch quickly dressed and left the team's locker room after Sunday's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs [and] calmly walking away when reporters asked to speak to him."
Some fellow team members where furious with the situation. Some of those included Richard Sherman and Doug Baldwin. TMZ reported on the interview:
"Richard Sherman slammed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell over the massive fine he dropped on Marshawn Lynch for not talking to the media ... by accusing the league of being two-faced...Sherman and Doug Baldwin (hiding behind a cardboard cutout of himself) held a pretty shocking news conference today where they openly mocked the league policy forcing players to talk to reporters. The duo talked excessively, but only about things the league does NOT want them discussing. They shouted out personal sponsors -- including Beats by Dre -- which the league banned players from wearing on game day because of a deal with Bose. Then Sherman went nuclear, calling out the league for saying it's dedicated to "player safety" ... while making them play 2 games within 5 days. A blatant shot at Thursday night games."
This show of disapproval, even though warranted, will definitely bring serious consequences. What do you think? Was the NFL fine out bounds? Or were the two humorists off sides? Let us know in the comment section below.
