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Bill Belichick Fined $50,000 for Grabbing Official’s Arm After Patriots’ Loss to Ravens

When the NFL says no touching, it means no touching.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been fined $50,000 by the league for grabbing an official's arm after New England's loss to Baltimore on Sunday, according to the league.

Belichick fined $50,000 for touching an official.

— Judy Battista (@judybattista) September 26, 2012

The NFL has fined #Patriots coachBill Belichick $50K for "impermissible physical contact with an official," league announced.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 26, 2012

Belichick and Ravens coach John Harbaugh spent much of Sunday night's game arguing with or yelling at the referees during a game that saw 24 penalties overall. The final play of the game, a contested field goal, was what sent Belichick chasing after the officials as they left the field. Belichick grabbed one referee's arm, explaining later that he wanted to know whether the play would be reviewed.

The NFL, however, forbids all contact with officials, so a fine was expected for Belichick.

Harbaugh, who reportedly bumped an official while trying to call a timeout earlier in the game, was not fined Wednesday.

There's no word yet on whether the NFL will take the advice of some disgruntled players and coaches who have suggested that their fines go toward bridging the gap in negotiations with the referees' union.