Bush fined for taunting

MIAMI – Reggie Bush was fined $5,000 by the NFL for taunting during his 88-yard touchdown reception in New Orleans’ NFC championship game loss at Chicago last week.

Although the rookie running back was not penalized for pointing back at Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher or for somersaulting into the end zone, he subsequently received the league’s standard punishment for taunting.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed the fine Sunday.

Bush, the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner and second pick in last year’s draft, caught a short pass from Drew Brees on the left sideline. He sped downfield, cut back near midfield and was several steps ahead of Urlacher when Bush turned and pointed at the Bears star. He then did his front flip into the end zone, making the score 16-14.

The Bears won 39-14 to reach the Super Bowl.