Even Peyton Manning (Peyton Manning!) isn’t immune from the humorless iron fist of Roger Goodell.
During last Saturday’s preseason game between the Broncos and the Texans, Manning threw a touchdown pass to Emmanuel Sanders. While throwing touchdown passes in the preseason isn’t the sort of thing that generally gets Manning riled up, Texans safety D.J. Swearinger got an earful from Peyton following the play. Swearinger had reportedly mouthed off against the Broncos all week leading up to the game and he was also responsible for a hit on Wes Welker that resulted in Welker sustaining a concussion.
According to Swearinger, Manning’s “taunt” was brief.
Texans D.J. Swearinger said #Broncos Manning offered a brief message. "***** you."
— david ramsey (@davidlukeramsey) August 24, 2014
The alleged two-word taunt ended up costing Manning $8,258.
The NFL has fined Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning $8,258 for taunting, sources tell ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.
As for Manning’s response to the fine, it was almost as succinct and glorious as his taunt of Swearinger:
“I accept the fine. It’s money well spent,” Manning told Mortensen.
Masterstroke.
