Marshawn Lynch avoids $50,000 fine

One of the more insignificant yet still talked about storylines of this week has been the NFL’s decision to fine running back Marshawn Lynch for not speaking to the media this season.

Well apparently Lynch is off the hook, at least if he plays nice the rest of the year. Lynch wrote on his Facebook page that he appealed and won, but what is likely more accurate is that he’s getting off with a warning, and is still subject to increasing fines if he doesn’t talk to the media going forward. Lynch, who held a very brief session with the media last week, is scheduled to be available again Thursday, then again following Saturday’s game (players’ contracts require they be available to the media at least once during the week and following games).

UPDATE

The NFL just issued a statement through league spokesperson Greg Aiello, saying Lynch didn’t win his appeal, but rather is essentially on probation so long as he plays nice with the media going forward.

From Aiello: “Ray Anderson (the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations) heard the appeal and decided to hold the $50,000 in abeyance for now after Lynch committed to complying with league policy and with the understanding that any further violation will result in the $50,000 being collected and a minimum fine of $50,000 more being assessed.”