New York, NY (Sports Network) - The National Football League fined the San
Diego Chargers $20,000 on Wednesday for failing to immediately give up a towel
that had a grip-enhancing substance on it.
The incident in question occurred in a game against the Denver Broncos on
October 15.
On Wednesday, the NFL released a statement saying the Chargers did not violate
any NFL competitive rules, but was instituting the fine due to the initial
lack of cooperation from the team.
The NFL went on to say the NFL has advised all clubs that the "use of towels
or other products that contain any type of adhesive substance is now
prohibited on game days until further notice."
San Diego issued the following statement after the fine was issued: "The NFL
found no competitive violation with the use of the towel and the Chargers were
not fined for using the towel. The League has directed all clubs to not use
the towel pending further notice. We are appealing the fine for failing to
cooperate with a game officials directive. Our staff member was unaware that
the game official was trying to get his attention and he cooperated fully once
he became aware."
The Sports Network