If the NFL aims to move past players criticizing officiating, imposing fines for such criticisms may not be the optimal strategy.
Nevertheless, the NFL has responded to Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett’s critique of officials by fining him $25,000 for his post-game comments following the recent win over the Jaguars.
Garrett expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “The officiating was a travesty today. It was honestly awful. And the fact that they’re letting them get away with hands to the face, holding, false starting — I know they called a couple, but damn, they could have called it all game. And [there was] the one that cost us down on the 2-yard line.
“I mean, respect to those guys, it’s a hard job, but hell, we have a hard job as well. You can’t make it harder by throwing holding and hands to the face out the rulebook. And like I said, I got a lot of respect for those guys, but we get scrutinized for the plays that we don’t make. So someone has to hold them accountable for the plays or the calls they don’t make. And they need to be under the same kind of microscope as we are every single play.”
Garrett’s sentiments align with observations made on PFT Live, highlighting officials overlooking fouls by offensive linemen due to the current dominance of defensive linemen.
Garrett, on Friday, stood by his comments, hoping they have a “positive effect” on officiating. However, the league’s decision to fine him suggests otherwise.
The league appears averse to criticism and increased scrutiny, evident in the Commissioner’s reluctance to defend this week’s criticism of officials over a technically correct call in the Bills-Chiefs game. Garrett’s fine is unlikely to dissuade players from expressing their opinions, especially those with higher earnings. The $25,000 fine is a meager 0.1 percent of Garrett’s total annual compensation and is directed toward charity.
Furthermore, Garrett refrained from questioning the personal integrity of the officials, a line that, when crossed, usually results in fines. The decision to fine Garrett for pointing out the league’s leniency in enforcing rules that favor offenses is conspicuous. It further emphasizes the issues surrounding inconsistent rule enforcement, setting the stage for potential controversies.
The league’s attempt to silence players for fair and accurate criticism may only invite more observers to question the integrity of the game.
