Rooney fined for criticizing officials
PITTSBURGH (AP) – Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney was fined $25,000 for criticizing a false-start penalty last Sunday in Atlanta that prevented the team from attempting a possible game-winning field goal. “Those officials should be ashamed of themselves,” Rooney said of referee Ron Winter’s crew. “That last call, you don’t call that kind of call.”
With quarterback Charlie Batch rushing to spike the ball with eight seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of a game tied at 38, second-year wide receiver Nate Washington drew a false start penalty. A 10-second runoff is required when such a penalty is called, meaning the Steelers did not get a chance to run another play.
The Falcons won the overtime coin toss and drove for Morten Andersen’s 32-yard field goal that gave them a 41-38 victory.
After the game, Steelers coach Bill Cowher said he wouldn’t criticize the officials because “I don’t feel like giving Park Avenue any more money,” a reference to the NFL’s New York headquarters. Rooney said he felt something needed to be said about the officiating.
Steelers receivers Washington, Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes also were fined $5,000 each for the end zone dance that resulted in an excessive celebration penalty following Washington’s 10-yard TD catch late in the first half.