Steelers coach Mike Tomlin’s near-interference with Ravens kick returner Jacoby Jones on Thursday night is the subject of “an aggressive review,” according to a league source and is likely to result in stiff financial penalties for the coach and the team, and perhaps the forfeiture of a draft pick.
Tomlin, as a head coach and as someone who was recently appointed to the NFL’s powerful Competition Committee, erred in being that close to the field of play, no matter what, and while the NFL can’t legislate his intent, the league’s past handling of these issues speaks to the seriousness with which it takes the matter.
Tomlin was caught by cameras watching him on the jumbo scoreboard while Jones returned a kick into Pittsburgh territory on a potentially game-altering play that could have resulted in a score. Tomlin nearly made contact with Jones, and while the coach has claimed he was not trying to impact the play, the NFL will come down hard.
Internally, the Steelers are also concerned that their coach’s action will cost them a draft pick, sources said, something they do not take lightly, even in the late rounds.
For those who haven’t seen the incident, check it out at the 41 second mark
Source: CBS Sports
