Obscenity may cost Ryan at least $75,000
Rex Ryan of the New York Jets looks on during their game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. (Nov. 13, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
The NFL could announce as soon as today that Jets coach Rex Ryan has been fined for using an obscenity while addressing a fan at halftime of a 37-16 loss to the Patriots on Nov. 13.
The fine could be at least $75,000 because it is the second time Ryan has been fined for inappropriate behavior. He was fined $50,000 by the Jets for making an obscene gesture at fans during a mixed martial arts event in Miami a week before the 2010 Super Bowl.
The NFL continues to review last week's incident, but repeat offenders typically receive stiffer fines after subsequent violations. ESPN reported Sunday that the fine could be between $75,000 and $100,000.
Ryan's exchange with a fan occurred as the teams were leaving the field at halftime. In a video that surfaced on the Internet early last week, a fan could be heard yelling, "Hey, Rex, [Bill] Belichick is better than you!" Ryan used an obscenity in responding to the fan and apologized last Monday for his choice of words.
"I was emotional, it was an emotional time," Ryan said. "I obviously made a mistake. I was full of emotion and just popped off. Obviously, I know I represent the National Football League, I know I represent the Jets and I know it was a mistake. I apologize for it."
