Tomlin fined $100,000 for sideline misstep

NEW YORK, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin has been fined $100,000 for interfering with a play during last week's NFL game in Baltimore.

The team may also see modification or loss of draft choices in 2014, the NFL said Wednesday in announcing the disciplinary action.

The Steelers had pulled within 13-7 of Baltimore in the third quarter of a key AFC North game on Thanksgiving when the Ravens' Jacoby Jones took a kickoff down the left sideline.

He appeared to be heading for a touchdown but Tomlin, apparently watching the return on a stadium video screen and with his back to the play, took one step onto the field. This caused Jones to slow and he was tackled from behind.

The Ravens got a field goal out of the possession and ended up winning 22-20.

There was no penalty called by game officials and Tuesday NFL officiating head Dean Blandino said that Tomlin should have been penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. The league followed with Wednesday's $100,000 fine and threat of draft sanctions.

Tomlin insisted the incident was unintentional.

"As I stated yesterday, I take full responsibility for my actions and I apologize for causing negative attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers organization," Tomlin said in a statement Wednesday.

"I accept the penalty that I received. I will no longer address this issue as I am preparing for an important game this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins."