Falcons fine Hall $100,000, may bench him for part of next game
Associated Press
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- As if the loss of Michael Vick wasn't enough, the winless Atlanta Falcons are dealing with another distraction involving a high-profile player.
Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall said Wednesday he's been fined $100,000 by the team and may have to sit out one or two quarters of the next game for his meltdown last week against the Carolina Panthers.
Hall wasn't pleased with the decision and plans to appeal through the NFL Players Association.
The Falcons (0-3) acted quickly after their defensive star was called for three penalties totaling 67 yards on one possession, including two personal fouls, then got into a heated sideline confrontation with coach Bobby Petrino and one of his assistants.
Petrino decided on the penalties after consulting some of the team's leaders.
"I don't think this is the first time it's happened in the National Football League, and it definitely won't be the last time," Hall said. "I think it's a little bit unfair. But he made his decision, and we need to move on from here. I'll try to rectify it and move on."
The penalties led to a Carolina touchdown that tied the game at 17 in the third quarter. The Panthers went on to a 27-20 victory.
"When things like that take place, it's unacceptable," said 10th-year linebacker Keith Brooking, who's been with the team longer than anyone. "DeAngelo knows that. I know he feels bad about it. But when things like that do occur, guys have to be held accountable."
Brooking added, "That's not the total reason we lost that game. But that was part of it, no doubt about it."
