Baker Mayfield unhappy with ‘ridiculous’ fine for criticizing referees
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield was one of several players to criticize NFL officials last week and uncharacteristically pay a price for it. Despite that, he’s not backing down from his criticism.
Mayfield was fined $12,500 by the NFL for his comments after Cleveland’s 32-28 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He is appealing that fine, but even if he’s forced to pay up, he said Wednesday that he has no regrets.
“Well, one, I wouldn’t say it’s complaining when it’s blatantly obvious,” Mayfield said, via Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. “I’d say that’s just stating facts. Freedom of speech I thought, but that’s OK, I get fined for it. It’s the league, that’s what they do. They fine you for some ridiculous things. That’s just how it is. There’s a reason that everybody is talking about it. It’s not just me.
“It needs to be said. People need to be held accountable for their job. When it affects my job, it sucks because it’s not in my control.”
It’s far to say NFL officials had a bad Week 6, and the league was quick to crack down on the criticism that stemmed from their errors. Despite the fine, it sure sounds like Mayfield would do it all over again if he had to.
