Bill Belichick fined $50K for grabbing replacement ref

Bill Belichick apologizes after $50K fine for grabbing ref

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick issued an apology after the NFL issued a $50,000 fine for grabbing a referee at the end of Sunday night's loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Belichick had grabbed the official after Ravens kicker Justin Tucker had just kicked the apparent game-winning field goal. On Monday, Belichick explained that the reason he had grabbed the official was to ask whether or not the play would be under review.

The statement that Belichick released is very short and to the point:

"It was inappropriate for me to contact the official. I take responsibility for what happened. I accept the discipline and I apologize for the incident Sunday night in Baltimore."

The New England Patriots enter Week 4 1-2 as they prepare to play the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the game will be televised on CBS.

Bill Belichick fined $50K for touching referee

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has been fined $50,000 by the league for touching an official following the conclusion of Sunday night's contest against the Baltimore Ravens.

After Baltimore place kicker Justin Tucker kicked a last second field goal to win the game, the quality of the call by the officials came into to question by the Patriots. As players, coaches and officials began to make their way off the playing field, Belichick was seen grabbing the arm of line judge Esteban Garza, which many assumed would draw some kind of fine.

On Monday afternoon, Belichick explained his actions by stating that he tried to get the officials attention in order to discuss whether the play was going to be reviewed. After failing to do so, he reached out in an attempt to have a conversation with him.

Belichick contended that he meant no disrespect by his action:

"I've coached in this league a long time and never been penalized, never had any incidents with officials or anything like that. I have never meant any disrespect or in any way tried to abuse or be disrespectful to the officials and the job that they do. I'm trying to get an explanation for obviously an important call [...] in that game."

There Are Odds On Bill Belichick's Fine From NFL

For the betting man, prop bets make a football game even that much more interesting. "Will Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson have more passing yards?" is a common-looking prop bet. But today, Bovada has lines on if and how much New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will be fined for grabbing a referee on Sunday.

Belichick grabbed a referee as both departed the field following a controversial game-winning field goal from the Baltimore Ravens. Bovada is letting you bet on the outcome currently in the hands of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell:

WEEK 4 SPECIALS - Will Bill Belichick be fined by the NFL for grabbing a referee after the game against the Ravens?
Yes -1000 (1/10)
No +600 (6/1)

WEEK 4 SPECIALS - How much will Bill Belichick be fined by the NFL for grabbing a referee after the game against the Ravens?
Over/Under $50,000

WEEK 4 SPECIALS - Will Bill Belichick be suspended by the NFL for grabbing a referee after the game against the Ravens?
Yes +600 (6/1)
No -1000 (1/10)

Goodell has endured criticism of inconsistency in levying fines and suspensions, so this is sure to be an entertaining prop bet.

NFL Reviewing Ref Incidents With John Harbaugh, Bill Belichick And Kyle Shanahan

The NFL is reviewing Bill Belichick, John Harbaugh and Kyle Shanahan after all three were involved in incidents with replacement referees.

Bill Belichick Explains Ref Incident: 'I Did Try To Get Official's Attention'

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick attempted to explain his point of view in regards to the controversial ending of Sunday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens.

After Baltimore place kicker Justin Tucker kicked the game-winning field goal, the quality of the call came into question and Belichick was seen grabbing the arm of line judge Esteban Garza as everyone was leaving the field. On Monday afternoon, the Patriots head coach explained that he was merely trying to gain the official's attention to see if the play was going to be reviewed.

After attempting and failing to gain his attention, Belichick grabbed Garza so he could speak with him about the call. He says he didn't mean to offend or disrespect the official with his actions, via The Boston Herald:

"I've coached in this league a long time and never been penalized, never had any incidents with officials or anything like that. I have never meant any disrespect or in any way tried to abuse or be disrespectful to the officials and the job that they do. I'm trying to get an explanation for obviously an important call [...] in that game."

For more on the Patriots and Bill Belichick, please be sure to check out our blog Pats Pulpit, SB Nation Boston, our Football Hub and SB Nation for all the latest news and updates.

No, Bill Belichick Has Nothing To Say About The Ref He Grabbed

Bill Belichick Doesn't Expect To Be Fined For Grabbing Ref; NFL Will Review

Immediately following the New England Patriots' 31-30 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night, head coach Bill Belichick grabbed a referee while looking for an explanation on the game-winning field goal.

While the physical contact with a ref has garnered plenty of attention and caused a controversy, Belichick doesn't expect to be fined by the NFL. However, the league will be reviewing the situation.

When prompted for his opinion of the officiating, the three-time Super Bowl champion didn't have much to say.

"I’m not going to comment about that," Belichick said. "You saw the game. What did we have, 30 penalties called in that game?"

Belichick also responded with a simple "no" when asked if he's expecting a fine.

Most fans and experts who watched the game were extremely critical of the officiating, as pointed out by Gregg Rosenthal at nfl.com:

The NBC crew of Cris Collinsworth and Al Michaels called the situation "ridiculous" at one point. The Baltimore crowd, upset by a call that extended New England's final drive, had the most intense, expletive-filled chant we've ever heard.

After the league sent out a memo telling the coaches to show respect to the replacement refs, it will be intriguing to see if it fines perhaps the most recognizable coach in football.

For more on the Patriots and Bill Belichick, please be sure to check out our blog Pats Pulpit, SB Nation Boston, our Football Hub and SB Nation for all the latest news and updates.

Bill Belichick Grabs Ref, Argues Last-Second Field Goal Ruling