The NFL has come under fire this week following poor officiating in the Bears-Steelers game, where there were several questionable calls and no calls against Chicago.
The one that garnered the most attention was Bears outside linebacker Cassius Marsh being called for taunting after a sack on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. After doing his usual celebration, Marsh walked toward the Steelers sideline, although he didn’t say anything or gesture.
According to Marsh, head official Tony Corrente hip checked him as he made his way back to the sideline, which was when Corrente threw the flag. It’s a call that’s been debated and blasted all week, but the NFL has stood behind its stance that Marsh’s actions were indeed taunting.
And they made it clear by finding him $5,972 for unsportsmanlike conduct, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The NFL not only stands behind Monday night’s controversial taunting call against #Bears LB Cassius Marsh — the league informed Marsh on Friday he's being $5,972 for unsportsmanlike conduct, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 13, 2021
NFL SVP of Officiating Perry Fewell addressed the questionable taunting call earlier this week, where he backed Corrente’s call, given taunting is a point of emphasis this season.
“He takes several steps towards the Pittsburgh bench, posturing towards their sideline,” Fewell said.
While Marsh shouldn’t have made his way toward the sideline at all, this “posturing” has been a word that the NFL continues to use, although it hasn’t been mentioned in regards to taunting before.
No word yet on other potential fines, including the missed roughing the passer call on quarterback Justin Fields. Fields addressed it following the game, and you have to wonder if he or Marsh, for calling out Corrente, are subject to other fines.
