The NFL will be trying a new tactic to force Marshawn Lynch into line, according to a report from ProFootballTalk. Lynch was fined $20,000 for the above crotch grab in Sunday's NFC Championship Game, and fined $11,500 earlier this season for doing the same. Since fines apparently do not deter behavior the league would like him to cease engaging in, they're apparently ready to try a new tactic: yardage penalties. Via PFT, citing a conversation ESPN's Sal Paolantonio and NFL officiating czar Dean Blandino had:
The NFL wants Lynch to know that officials will be on the lookout and ready to assess a 15-yard penalty if Lynch does it again. NFL V.P. of Officiating Dean Blandino told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio that the Seahawks have been warned that if Lynch makes an obscene gesture at any time during Super Bowl XLIX, the Seahawks will be penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The penalty would be imposed on the ensuing kickoff, so the Seahawks would kick off from the 20 instead of the 35.