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Troy Polamalu Breaks NFL Rules By Using Cell Phone In-Game, But Unlikely To Be Fined

Mike Florio at ProFootballTalk notes that, after Troy Polamalu got a concussion in the Steelers' 17-13 win Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he talked on his cell phone, which could pose problems with the league.

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Highlights of the game shown during NBC’s Football Night in America show Polamalu talking on what appears to be a Blackberry smart phone.

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The next call could come from the league office, since players and staff are prohibited from using cell phones on the sideline during games. More than five years ago, former Falcons coach Jim Mora was fined a whopping $25,000 for using a cell phone during a game against the Buccaneers.

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We all know the league loves to fine Steelers players, but I don't see that happening here. As far as I can tell, there has been no indication that Polamalu will be punished for this, and it would frankly seem a little strange to me if the NFL were to crack down on Polamalu for using a cell phone in the aftermath of a concussion. A Steelers team doctor apparently gave Polamalu the phone (via Steelers Depot), so it would appear doubtful he would receive a fine in this case.

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.