Ben Roethlisberger was hit with a fine for wearing an Apple Watch on the sidelines of the Steelers’ game last week. It’s against NFL rules for players or coaches to use devices that can transmit electronic messages unless they have been pre-approved.
No Apple Watch on the sidelines
Roethlisberger’s right arm is injured, and he claims his wife put the Apple Watch on his left arm without him realizing it before last week’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Even so, the NFL hit him with a $5,000 fine for a uniform violation, according to ESPN.
The Steelers’ quarterback reportedly isn’t happy that he wasn’t given a warning. His first notification was a letter from the NFL ordering him to pay the fine.
No phones on the sidelines, either
The NFL’s rules on electronic devices are intended to ensure that games are managed only by the people on the sidelines.
The rules state:
“Unless specifically permitted by League rules, the use of cellular phones, smart phones, tablet devices, computers, wearable electronic devices such as Google Glass, and other electronic equipment by coaches, players, and other club personnel is prohibited in club-controlled areas including, but not limited to, sidelines and coaches’ booths.”
The restrictions apply from before the game until the end, including halftime.
The sole expedition is the Microsoft Surface devices that coaches and players keep calling iPads.
