Jaguars' Smith pleads for leniency after $10K taunting fine

Posted January 18, 2018 6:00 am

The Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith is pleading for leniency after being fined $10,000 for taunting Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell during his fumble return for a touchdown last week.

Smith pointed at Bell near the goal line and drew a 15-yard penalty. He says he will appeal the fine.

The team's leading tackler issued a public apology to the NFL on Thursday, saying, "I wish I had not pointed. Give me a camera to talk to the league, too. NFL, please listen. I'm sorry. I got the fine today. I apologize. I take the point back, the taunting. I'm a great player."

A second-team All-Pro selection, Smith had 102 tackles during the regular season and has 27 in two postseason games, including 16 against the Steelers.

He adds: "Y'all make sure y'all put that video up about the fine. Trying to get that appealed."

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