Once football actually starts, people are going to do things on the field causing them to get fined. Fans -- and players -- will complain voraciously about said fines, alleging the NFL is unfair, hates [team x] and generally metes out punishment by spinning a wheel of fate.
Not true! The NFL actually has a schedule of fines every year it uses as a basis for fining players throughout the year.
In a very welcome act of transparency, former standout player and current NFL VP Troy Vincent tweeted out a) the fine schedule and b) the entire process that goes into fines.
1. This @NFL fine schedule is provided to players before each season. It is approved by @NFLPA. pic.twitter.com/X70hbQ6tSF
— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincent23) August 20, 2014
2. During an @NFL game, initial calls by officials help determine on-field rules violations. pic.twitter.com/rsaIRHGHpp
— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincent23) August 20, 2014
3.Every play - penalized or not - in every game is reviewed by @NFL Officiating Dept. Violations referred to Ops Dept pic.twitter.com/Nle7JaFooY
— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincent23) August 20, 2014
4. @MertonHanks36 & I make initial decision whether to discipline. Discipline typically consists of a fine. pic.twitter.com/HByBeaumI9
— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincent23) August 20, 2014
5. Players are notified by @NFL in writing with information about rule violation & how to appeal. pic.twitter.com/8WOs0H2THy
— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincent23) August 20, 2014
6. Appeals for on-field rules violations are heard by @NFL appeals officers @DBrooks55 & Ted Cottrell pic.twitter.com/mGqll4lnRp
— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincent23) August 20, 2014
7. Only after appeals are decided by @DBrooks55 or Ted Cottrell is money withheld from an @NFL player’s paycheck. pic.twitter.com/4Ngzp3FIiA
— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincent23) August 20, 2014
8. Fine money is donated thru @NFLFoundation to assist former players— ~$4 million/year netted over last 5 years pic.twitter.com/cI51KdOu1i
— Troy Vincent (@TroyVincent23) August 20, 2014
See? There IS a method to the madness. Even if you disagree with the way the league fines your team.
For future reference, the full fine schedule:
| Violation | First Offense | Second Offense |
| Fighting | $27,562 | $55,125 |
| Spearing | $22,050 | $44,100 |
| Impermissible use of the helmet | $22,050 | $44,100 |
| Hit on defenseless player | $22,050 | $44,100 |
| Blindsided block | $22,050 | $44,100 |
| Horse collar tackle | $16,637 | $33,075 |
| Leg whip | $16,637 | $33,075 |
| Roughing the passer | $16,637 | $33,075 |
| Excessive profanity; unsportsmanlike conduct | $11,025 | $22,020 |
| Striking/Kicking/Kneeing | $8,268 | $15,539 |
| Face Mask | $8,268 | $15,539 |
| Late Hit | $8,268 | $15,539 |
| Low Block | $8,268 | $15,539 |
| Chop lock | $8,268 | $15,539 |
| Taunting | $8,268 | $15,539 |
| Unnecessarily entering fight area (active involvement) | $5,512 | $11,025 |
| Football into stands | $5,512 | $11,025 |
| Unnecessarily entering fight area (no active involvement) | $2,756 | $8,26 |
