Jimmy Graham fined $30,000 for crossbar dunks

The so-called "Jimmy Graham Rule" already has taken money out of the pocket of one player: Jimmy Graham.

The NFL has fined Graham, the New Orleans Saints all-pro tight end, $30,000 for twice dunking the ball over the crossbar after touchdowns in last week's exhibition against the Tennessee Titans.

The dunk has been Graham signature touchdown move, but the NFL outlawed it in the offseason, citing the possibility of further delays after Graham knocked the goalposts and crossbar out of alignment by hanging on it after one of his dunks last season in Atlanta. That game was delayed for nearly a half hour.

Graham also was assessed a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct after each infraction last week. Saints coach Sean Payton wasn't happy, and Graham acknowledged this week he has to stop.

The fine won't make much of a dent for Graham, who got a $12 million signing bonus on the four-year, $40 million contract he signed in July.


(usatoday.com)