PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward
has been fined $10,000 for taunting, the second time this season
that the NFL has cited him for that offense.
Ward was fined for taunting Baltimore Ravens safety
Rod Woodson on Dec. 11, a call that cost the Steelers a 15-yard
unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Ward protested he said nothing to
Woodson, and that an official later apologized to him for calling
the penalty.
"It's just amazing how talking to somebody in the world of
playing football will get you a $10,000 fine," Ward said. "I
didn't even say anything, even if it may have appeared like I did.
... I could have said, `It's an honor to be on the same field with
you.' "
Ward will appeal the fine, as he did a $5,000 fine for taunting
during the Steelers-Browns game Nov. 11. That appeal awaits a
hearing.
The Steelers are playing for more than home
field advantage when they take on Cincinnati on Sunday. A win could
mean two weeks off for some Pittsburgh starters.
If the Steelers beat the Bengals, Pittsburgh would hold home
field advantage throughout the playoffs, meaning some of the
starters could be rested against the Browns the following week.
Even if Pittsburgh loses that game against Cleveland, it would
have no effect on the Steelers playoff situation. The team already
has a bye in the first round of the playoffs.
Copyright 2002 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be
published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
