Trotter, Mathis fined for pre-game scuffle

By John Onan  |   Wednesday, September 14, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

NFL Football News
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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and Atlanta Falcons cornerback Kevin Mathis were each fined $10,000 apiece for their participation in a scuffle prior to Monday night's game between the two teams.

During warm-ups leading up to kickoff, Trotter approached the Falcons' side of the field, which led to a verbal confrontation with a few players on the opposing team, including Mathis. The situation quickly escalated into a physical confrontation between the two players, in what appeared to be Mathis taking a swing at Trotter. Trotter retaliated against Mathis by grabbing hold of his facemask.

Both players were ejected from the game before it even started, and the league came down with their decision to fine both players on Tuesday. After the ejections were announced both teams gathered at midfield and began jumping and taunting each other while officials attempted to separate the two sides.

When the game did kickoff, it was a tough, physical battle throughout. Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb suffered a bruised chest when he took a blow to the rib area from Falcons defender Chad Lavalais. He stayed in the game, but Atlanta won 14-10 in a rematch of last season's NFC Championship Game.
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