By Tim Graham
The NFL has fined the Buffalo Bills $20,000 for failing to disclose defensive end Mario Williams' left wrist injury.
Since the season began, Williams and Bills coach Chan Gailey frequently referred to the injury as a reason why the free-agent star wasn't more effective in games, but Williams hadn't been listed on an injury report until after the loss in San Francisco.
Here is the Buffalo-related portion of the NFL's statement on the fine:
The NFL confirmed today that two teams, Buffalo and Washington, each have been fined
$20,000 for violating the NFL's procedures for reporting injury information.
The Bills failed to list defensive end Mario Williams on the injury report
while being treated for a sprained wrist. Williams commented publicly on Oct. 3
prior to Week Five games about how the wrist had been bothering him and
limiting his effectiveness. Although Williams fully participated in practices
and games after sustaining the injury, he should have been listed on the report
with a wrist injury and fully participating in practice. Williams has been
listed on the Bills' injury report with a wrist injury the past two weeks.
A review of Bills transcripts shows Gailey first mentioned Williams' wrist injury Sept. 10 in a news conference with local reporters. Williams' first public comments were made Sept. 12, the first chance reporters had to ask him after Gailey broached the subject.
Williams said he never missed a practice snap because of the wrist.
The NFL also fined the Washington Redskins $20,000 for failing to properly provide an in-game update on quarterback Robert Griffin III's head injury in Week Five.
