NEW YORK (AP) – Geno Smith shouted a couple of mighty expensive expletives.
The New York Jets quarterback was fined $12,000 by the NFL on Friday for cursing at a fan after the team’s game against Detroit last Sunday.
Pittsburgh defensive lineman Cameron Heyward also got in trouble with his mouth, docked $22,050 for using abusive language toward an official during the Steelers’ loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday.
Smith was walking off the field following the 24-17 defeat when he glared at a heckler in the stands and yelled at him, twice using an expletive. The fine issued by the league was for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The second-year quarterback immediately apologized after the game, but acknowledged during the week that he would likely be fined for his actions. Cleveland rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel received a similar fine from the league during the preseason for flipping his middle finger at Washington’s sideline.
“Always be above the situation,” Smith said Wednesday. “Never let people get to you. Never let anyone’s words affect you in that manner. So I’ve just learned, and it’s something I’ve already known, but (I’ve) just got to handle those situations better.”
Smith has declined to say what the fan said to him that set him off. Owner Woody Johnson said Thursday he was disappointed by Smith’s actions, saying they were “absolutely unacceptable.” But, he also was confident Smith would never again put himself in a similar situation.
Coach Rex Ryan wouldn’t say whether Smith would face additional discipline from the team.
“We’ll handle it the way we see appropriate,” Ryan said. “And again, when we’re ready to let you know what our decision is, we’ll let you know.”
Houston’s J.J. Watt was fined $16,537 for roughing the passer against Buffalo. The star defensive end was called for penalties twice after hitting Bills quarterback EJ Manuel in the knee area.
San Diego left tackle King Dunlap and Jacksonville defensive end Alan Branch were each fined $8,268 for their fight during the Chargers’ 33-14 win last Sunday.
Chicago guard Kyle Long was also docked $8,268 for unnecessary roughness in the Bears’ loss to the Green Bay Packers.
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