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PrintThere are so many ongoing NFL controversies that it’s hard to keep them straight, and by now, Bill Belichick grabbing an official following the New England Patriots’ 31-30 loss to the Baltimore Ravens Sunday night seems like forever ago.
But the NFL is expected to make a ruling—either fine him or suspend him—and the decision should come in the next couple days.
What will Belichick’s punishment be?
Or will there be one at all? Remember, the NFL is awfully busy right now.
Bovada sportsbook released the following prop bets on Monday:
Will Bill Belichick be fined by the NFL for grabbing a referee?
Yes -1000
No +600How much will Bill Belichick be fined?
Over 50,000
Under 50,000Will Bill Belichick be suspended?
Yes +600
No -1000
These odds were released prior to Monday night’s Packers-Seahawks game, and you’d think the wild outcome in Seattle will influence Goodell’s decision. By fining Belichick, he’s defending the officials, and that’s the last thing the fans and media want to see after what will go down as the worst call in the league’s storied history.
Then again, Goodell has fined every single player and coach who has spoken out against the officials, meaning the precedent has already been set. He’ll receive backlash regardless of what he decides to do.
For his part, Belichick said he doesn’t expect to receive a fine.
“I’ve coached in this league a long time and I’ve 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,” Belichick told the Boston Globe. “I was trying to get an explanation for obviously an important call.”
