CINCINNATI – Bengals receiver Terrell Owens was fined $5,000 on Friday for violating the NFL's prohibition on using social media shortly before games.
Owens acknowledged that he broke the rule by sending out a tweet an hour before Cincinnati's 24-21 loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday. Players and coaches are prohibited from using social media 90 minutes before games, during games and shortly afterward.
It's the same amount that Arizona's Darnell Dockett got fined for tweeting 20 minutes before a game.
Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco got a $25,000 fine for tweeting before and during a preseason game in August. Owens, Ochocinco and Dockett are the only players to violate the policy that went into effect before last season.
Owens said his tweet – sent from Paul Brown Stadium while players were warming up for the game – was part of his work with a charity that helps children in Kenya.
"A lucky fan wearing my jersey 2day will get a signed football by Me & Ocho Cinco! My asst will pick U out!! Good luck!" he tweeted.
Owens said he intended to post the tweet earlier in the day, but he left home late and forgot to take his cell phone with him. He said he had an assistant bring his cell phone to Paul Brown Stadium, where he sent out the tweet in violation of the league's rules.