Aqib Talib Fined for Super Bowl Indiscretions

With the whole nation watching, Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib did little to stem his reputation as a dirty player. The NFL followed suit today, issuing Talib with just over $26 000 in fines for two separate on-field incidents during the Super Bowl.

Talib was fined for both facemasking and taunting; two penalties that couldn’t have been more extreme in their potential impact on the game. Before being called on the former, Talib was chasing down Panthers wide receiver Corey Brown. With Brown inside the Denver 5-yard line, Talib grabbed him by the bars of his helmet and swung him violently to the turf.

The nature of the personal foul resulted in an advancement half the distance to the goal, giving Carolina a negligible advantage so close to pay dirt, at which point Jonathan Stewart went over the top for six.

The call has prompted some talk about how to better punish players in these situations. Under current rules, the punishment certainly doesn’t fit the crime, especially since Talib admitted he did it intentionally.

Perhaps the offending player could be forced to sit out for one play? Or maybe the yards could be applied the next time the offender’s team gets possession? But that’s a debate for another day.

Talib’s second penalty – a boneheaded taunting call – could have been far more crippling. After his defense stopped the Panthers on third down, Talib removed his helmet and started jawing with a Carolina player right in front of an official. The penalty extended the Panthers’ drive but ended in another punt.

Engulfed in the euphoria of winning the championship, Talib didn’t seem too fazed by the incoming fines. “It was all good. B.S. flags,” he joked after the game. “[The facemask] I just did on purpose, you know, I just had to show him. It’s probably going to be a fine, but hey we’re world champs.”

No thanks to you, Aqib.