Darnell Dockett

[Steel-Bryan]

Kerry Rhodes insists teammate Darnell Dockett didn't spit on him during the Arizona Cardinals' 7-6 loss to the New York Jets. But Dockett's actions still were enough to warrant serious condemnation from the team. NFL.com's Albert Breer reported Friday that the Cardinals fined Dockett $200,000 for conduct detrimental to the team, according to a source briefed on the fine.

A union source told Breer and NFL.com's Ian Rapoport that the NFL Players Association already has begun the progress of filing a grievance on Dockett's behalf.

After the news broke, Dockett tweeted his thanks to the NFLPA and said "I ain't got no worries."

The punishment came five days after Dockett and Rhodes argued on the field about defensive strategy late in the fourth quarter. Rhodes -- and defensive coordinator Ray Horton, who said Friday that he suggested the plan -- wanted to let the Jets score, giving the Cardinals' offense a final possession while facing an eight-point deficit. Dockett disagreed with that thinking. Jets running back Shonn Greene eventually broke a run and knelt down at the Arizona 1-yard line, allowing New York to run out the clock.


It was reported that Dockett, who apologized Wednesday, spit on Rhodes during the altercation, prompting Rhodes to release a statement.

"Yes, we had a disagreement on the field but, no he did NOT spit in my face," Rhodes said in an email released by the team Tuesday. "I'm not going to get into all the details because I think those are things you keep within the team. But Darnell and I talked after the game, we're both moving on and I'll leave it at that."

The severity of the fine makes sense given the implication that Dockett was defying coaches' orders on the field. This is an obvious no-no that won't make Dockett any new friends. Dockett, 31, signed a six-year, $56 million contract with the Cardinals in 2010.

I wouldnt mind him on the team guys, what do you think?

[harrison'samonster]

Dockett's a beast with a motor. I don't know if he'd be a good fit for out team specifically, but he'd be a good way to start building a defense.

[tony hipchest]

most steelerfans hate players over the age of 30 and think they need to be released, not signed.

[SteelersCanada]

We couldn't take on his contract. His cap hit of 7.7 million dollars next year makes sure we can't sign anyone else in free agency (running back, wide receiver) and would have trouble once again balancing the cap. Cuts of bigger name guys would have to be made, and this ensures we can't bring back guys like Lewis and Wallace. Getting rid of Polamalu would seem reasonable in terms of cap space at that point as well. From there, in 2014 it would be 8.75 and in 2015, 9.8. I mean, we just don't have the money to invest in that kind of player, especially if he's on the wrong side of 30.

He's good, but he's not that good. If we were talking about someone like JPP, it'd be a different story.

[Steeldude]

Originally Posted by Steel-Bryan

I wouldnt mind him on the team guys, what do you think?

The Steelers won't be able to afford him.

[ricardisimo]

I think we are pretty darned solid right now and can focus on the draft. Besides... has he been cut? No. He's under contract. I don't get the point of these threads. Shouldn't we sign Aldon Smith, J.J. Watt and Von Miller first?

[Steeldude]

Originally Posted by ricardisimo

I think we are pretty darned solid right now and can focus on the draft. Besides... has he been cut? No. He's under contract. I don't get the point of these threads. Shouldn't we sign Aldon Smith, J.J. Watt and Von Miller first?

I pick Von Miller

[nj1923steelgirl]

I would love to see Von Miller in Black and Gold!

[lloydwoodson]

Originally Posted by nj1923steelgirl

I would love to see Von Miller in Black and Gold!

I found this pic of Von Miller in Black and Gold for you.

You're welcome.

[fer522]

What a sexy beast