The NFL Actually Fined Ben Roethlisberger for Wearing an Apple Watch on Steelers' Sideline
By Michael Luciano
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is the latest to get caught up in the smart watch fad, even if doing so goes against NFL rules.
Roethlisberger was spotted on the sidelines wearing an Apple Watch while Mason Rudolph led the Steelers to a win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football. The league slapped him with a $5,000 fine, as rules prohibit any electronic devices that could be use to transmit signals.
NFL fines Ben Roethlisberger $5,000 for wearing Apple Watch on Steelers' sideline, per sources.https://t.co/nLP8RVMZHA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 6, 2019
Roethlisberger, according to sources close to him, is "livid" about being fined and is going to appeal.
The NFL is clearly pretty lax about allowing technology on the sideline, as they have a deal with Microsoft that furbishes every sideline with a custom tablet for in-game use.
The NFL fined Ben Roethlisberger $5,000 for a uniform violation for wearing an Apple Watch in his first game back on the sideline. https://t.co/crGNqn2X9y
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 6, 2019
This seems silly all around. Was this really needed to be done by the league? Don't they have other things to worry about?
Regardless, he'll appeal this one and look to save some money.