Fast Break

FOOTBALL

Brayton, Stevens fined by NFL

Oakland defensive lineman Tyler Brayton was fined $25,000 and Seattle tight end Jerramy Stevens was fined $15,000 Wednesday for an altercation at the end of their game earlier in the week.

Brayton was ejected in the final minutes of the Raiders’ 16-0 loss to the Seahawks on Monday night for kneeing Stevens in the groin at the end of a play.

“I feel like I let a lot of people down. I embarrassed myself, my family, the Raiders organization, the entire NFL,” Brayton said. “For that, I apologize. I kind of allowed my personal frustrations and emotions to get the best of me. My actions are inexcusable, provoked or unprovoked. I also apologize to Jerramy Stevens and Seattle Seahawks. Doesn’t matter what the situation was, I had no right to do that.”

Gene Washington, the NFL’s director of football operations, ruled that Stevens attempted to kick Brayton in the groin area earlier on the same play, leading to his fine.

Today’s Question

Do you think the fines on Tyler Brayton and Jerramy Stevens are fair? Should it have been worse? Should Stevens have skated? You can comment on SportsLink at spokesmanreview.com/ blogs/ sportslink.

FOOTBALL

Legal play or just a bad call by ref?

Call it the trick play heard ‘round the state. Or in this case it’s now the trick play seen ‘round the state.

The play in question had Sandpoint High football coaches, players and fans in an uproar after Bishop Kelly rallied to eliminate the Bulldogs 28-24 in the State 4A playoffs last Friday at Barlow Stadium.

On Monday, the Idaho High School Activities Association’s executive director John Billetz was asked by Sandpoint to review what transpired. He sought interpretations from as many as four individuals, including two from the national high school office, and ruled that the play was legal.

Decide for yourself by logging on to the Idaho prep blog at spokesmanreview.com/ blogs/idahopreps. Watch the video of the play and read comments from coaches at Sandpoint and IHSAA officials.