NEW YORK, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- The NFL has fined Denver Broncos Coach Mike Shanahan $20,000 for publicly criticizing officials in last Sunday's game against San Diego.
It is the first time in his career Shanahan has been sanctioned by the league.
The Broncos had been hit with a penalty for having too many players on the field during a 61-yard punt return for a touchdown by Darrent Williams in the fourth quarter.
At his weekly gathering with reporters on Monday, Shanahan said the call was "horrible," adding "those calls aren't made in high school."
Denver eventually won the contest, 20-17.
Shanahan, who expected the fine after his comments, was philosophical in his reaction.
"If you break the rules, you get fined," he told the Rocky Mountain News.
