The National Football League has fined New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, and Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni $250,000 each for their conduct toward officials, according to Sports Illustrated. The league is holding the fines in abeyance, which means they could be waived if the coaches demonstrate good behavior. It remains unclear whether the penalties stem from specific incidents or a pattern of conduct.
Vrabel's fine follows a Week 4 incident where he was flagged for expressing displeasure with an official's call. After the game, Vrabel stated he told the official it was a "terrible" call, adding that he has made similar comments 87 times since becoming a head coach. He described his language as non-derogatory and suggested the official was "a little sensitive."
Officials have also faced discipline this season. In Week 5, the NFL fined line judge Jeff Seeman after he was seen using profanity directed at Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. Referee Adrian Hill received a one-game suspension for his behavior toward Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson. The incident occurred when Wilson was pushed into Hill by a Miami Dolphins player after the play had ended, knocking the referee to the ground. Wilson offered to help Hill up, but Hill immediately stood, pointed at Wilson, and yelled at him to move away.
Wilson told reporters in the Vikings' locker room that he apologized to Hill and explained the situation. According to ESPN, Wilson said Hill understood what was happening and simply did not want Wilson to fight with Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II. The NFL aims to prevent further incidents involving coaches and officials from becoming distractions for the remainder of the season.