Peyton Manning fined by NFL for taunting DJ Swearinger

Peyton Manning is usually cool, calm, collected, and level headed no matter the circumstance. His usually calm demeanor has garnered him respect from nearly everyone involved in the NFL. That is why it was so shocking to see Manning fired up and taunting Houston Texans defensive back D.J. Swearinger during last week’s preseason game.

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Manning was flagged for taunting after throwing a beautiful touchdown strike to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. After the play, Manning quickly got in the face of D.J. Swearinger and had some choice words for the defensive back. According to reports, Manning told Swearinger to “F me.”

According to Lindsay Jones of USA Today, Manning was upset with Swearinger after he illegally hit Wes Welker only one play earlier. Swearinger was flagged for the hit on Welker, but ultimately Welker left the game with his third concussion in 10 months.

Pundits wondered what Manning’s punishment would be, if any, for his actions during last week’s preseason game. Today, the ruling came down and apparently Manning was fined by the NFL $8,200:

The fine will not do very much damage if at all to Manning’s bank account, but it does show that the NFL has a zero tolerance policy for taunting opponents.

Although most were uncomfortable seeing Manning so heated after the play, Swearinger told reporters afterwards that he was happy to get Manning angry.

“I’m glad that I made a Hall of Famer mad, you know?” Swearinger told USA Today Sports.