NFL teams
Terry Blount, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Goodell: No decision on Lynch fine

NFL, Seattle Seahawks

PHOENIX -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the league will determine after Super Bowl XLIX whether Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch fulfilled his obligation to the media this week and whether he should be fined for wearing an unlicensed hat Tuesday on media day.

"I do not believe any decision has been made," Goodell said Friday in his annual press conference before the Super Bowl. "Our staff probably will look at that following the Super Bowl and make a determination, as they have in the past."

Lynch came to media day Tuesday and answered every question with some variation of "I'm just here so I won't get fined." He said it 29 times before a timer on his smartphone went off after 5 minutes, signaling to him that his required time was up, and he left. He also was wearing a Beast Mode hat. It's not clear whether his hat, which is produced by NFL sponsor New Era, violates NFL rules governing licensed apparel.

On Wednesday, he only said, "You know why I'm here," in response to questions. He left again after 5 minutes. On Thursday, Lynch gave a brief statement, but again did not answer questions.

"I've been very clear. When you're in the NFL, you have an obligation," Goodell said. "It's an obligation to the fans. It is part of your job, and there are things we all have to do in our job that we may not necessarily want to do."

Goodell said he thinks Lynch realizes his requirement to cooperate.

"I think Marshawn understands the importance of the Super Bowl, the importance of his appearance, and the importance of him as an individual in this game," Goodell said. "Fans are curious. Fans want to know and the media would like to make that story clear to our fans.

"I understand it may not be the top of his list, but everyone else is cooperating and everyone else is doing their part because it is our obligation. As I said, there are a lot of things we don't like to do in our jobs, but it comes with the territory and it comes with the privilege of playing in the Super Bowl."

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