OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The NFL has overturned the $5,000 fine that Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk received for removing a microphone he was wearing in a game against the New York Jets.
Birk’s agent, Joe Linta, confirmed Tuesday that the six-time Pro Bowl selection won his appeal of the fine.
NFL rules now require centers or guards to wear microphones on their pads, but Birk indicated that the listening device was uncomfortable to wear because it was touching his neck. So he took it off, and was fined.
The rule was passed this year as part of the new collective bargaining agreement.
Birk said he was unaware that he was not supposed to remove the microphone, even under those conditions.
