(SportsNetwork.com) – Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch has been
fined $100,000 for repeated violations of the NFL’s media policy.
Lynch was fined $50,000 for not speaking to the media following Sunday’s loss
to Kansas City. The league said in a statement Wednesday it would also collect
a $50,000 fine issued last season.
The earlier penalty, reportedly over Lynch’s refusal to speak to media during
the season, went uncollected “in anticipation of future cooperation,” the NFL
statement said.
NFL rules say a player must be available to the media after every game and
“regularly” during the week. Those designated by teams as “star players” who
are typically the subject of increased demand only have to be available once
during the practice week and after each game.
Lynch, known for his bruising runs on the field, has been notoriously media-
shy off it.
A playful example came during Seattle’s Super Bowl media day last January,
when Lynch sat for several minutes before apparently vanishing, only to be
seen moments later standing nearby wearing a hooded jacket and large black
sunglasses.
TV analyst Deion Sanders, famously an extrovert when he played, approached
Lynch for an interview that lasted just a few minutes but peaked in the first
exchange when the running back replied to a compliment on his appearance with
an expletive.
Lynch has rushed for 813 yards and nine touchdowns in 10 games this season for
the Seahawks (6-4) with another 247 yards and three scores on 24 receptions.
He rushed for 124 yards on 24 carries in Sunday’s 24-20 loss to the Chiefs.
