Monday Madness: Fines, Pigeons, and QB Ears

(Image courtesy of CBS)

Last week, Denver Broncos‘ coaches John Fox and Jack Del Rio had some candid conversations with the replacement referees during Denver’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday Night Football.  The refs, at worst, may have gotten a slap on the hand for the atrocious job they did while calling the game.

In the case of Fox and Del Rio, their wallets will now be a little lighter.  Fox has been smacked with a $30,000 fine and Del Rio will be donating $25,000 to the league, according to ESPN‘s Adam Schefter (via PFT).  Expect more coaches to be fined for Week 3 tirades which were directed at the unfortunate and unqualified replacement referees.

Meanwhile, the Broncos’ have another problem on their hands that has nothing to do with referees or even football.  Rather, they have a pigeon problem.  Just over one week ago, President Joe Ellis promised that the pigeons would be taken care of, which excited the fans who have received gifts from the sky via said pigeons on a weekly basis during the course of the season.

While Ellis’ words were pleasant to the ears of Broncos fans, Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub is now missing part of his ear.  Schaub was dazed after he was hit by linebacker Joe Mays on Sunday, causing his helmet to fly off, ripping out a gash of his ear lobe in the process. Mr. Tough Guy himself, Schaub commented, “I felt fine.  I just lost a piece of my ear and had to come out for a play, but I was fine.”

Of note was the fact that during the play that Schaub was banged up—and many other times during the game—pigeons were seen flying around the field. On that particular play, a pigeon was spotted in Houston’s offensive backfield.  After play commenced, the pigeon departed, leaving no gifts that were visible to us.

Obviously, the pigeon problem has not yet been taken care of.  So while fans, coaches, and players across the league eagerly await the return of “real” NFL referees, Broncos fans are also waiting for the excrement-dropping Columbidae birds—pigeons—to be discharged from Sports Authority Field at Mile High, permanently.

If that day ever comes, fans will tip their hats to the organization in appreciation.  Such an occasion would mark the first time in years that fans would be able to also remove their hats without having to worry about gifts landing on their uncovered heads.

Your turn!  Have you been bothered by the pigeons at Mile High?  Do you think Fox and Del Rio should have been fined?  Is Schaub more attractive without part of his ear? Tweet, email, and comment below and let us know!