UPDATE: The NFL has fined Mike Tomlin $100,000 for interfering with a kickoff return in last Thursday night’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. The league also says it will consider removing draft choices from the Steelers because Tomlin’s conduct affected a play on the field, according to ESPN.
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is the subject of a controversy following a move in Thursday’s Thanksgiving Day game against the Baltimore Ravens.
As Ravens’ punt returner Jacoby Jones broke free from a kickoff return with the Ravens leading 13-7 in the third quarter, Tomlin was seen standing partially on the field in Jones’ path.
Tomlin hopped out of the way at the last second but Jones was tackled by Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen.
“I’m like, is he gonna move? It got close so I just weaved and got away and it may have broke my stride a little bit,” Jones said in a press conference following the game.
The Steelers weren’t flagged on the play and Tomlin claims he didn’t intentionally do it.
“I always watch the returns on the Jumbotron. It provides a better perspective for me,” Tomlin said. “I lost my placement as he broke free and saw at the last second how close I was to the field of play.”
The Steelers ended up losing the game 20-22.
