Chad Ochocinco Fined $5,000 for Orange Chin Strap

Bengals receiver and prolific Twitterer Chad Ochocinco has been fined $5,000 by the NFL for wearing an orange chin strap in a recent preseason game. Ochocinco revealed the fine on his Twitter page, first with a profane exclamation of disbelief and later offering as proof this photograph of the letter he received from the league. Later, in a tweet reply to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Ochocinco said he was typing a letter back to the league and planned to fine them. It's unclear what on earth that even means.

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NFL Fines Out of Control?

Bengals star Chad Ochocinco was fined $5,000 by the NFL for wearing an orange chin strap in a preseason game. Click through to see more questionable NFL fines over the years.

Jim Rogash, Getty Images

NFL Fines Out of Control?

Bengals star Chad Ochocinco was fined $5,000 by the NFL for wearing an orange chin strap in a preseason game. Click through to see more questionable NFL fines over the years.

Jim Rogash, Getty Images

Culprit: Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh Steelers
What He Did: Holmes celebrated his Super Bowl-winning touchdown catch by paying homage to LeBron James' pregame powder toss.
NFL Fined Him: $10,000

James Borchuck, St. Petersburg Times / AP

Culprit: Darnell Dockett, Arizona Cardinals
What He Did: Dockett (No. 90) jumped on the back of teammate Antonio Smith and rode him like a rodeo bronco.
NFL Fined Him: $20,000

Kevin Terrell, Getty Images

Culprit: Wes Welker, New England Patriots
What He Did: Made a "snow angel" after scoring this Week 16 touchdown in wintry conditions versus Arizona.
NFL Fined Him: $10,000

Stephan Savoia, AP

Culprit: Shaun Ellis, New York Jets
What He Did: Chucked a large block of snow into the Seattle stands in retaliation for fans pelting New York's players with snowballs
NFL Fined Him: $10,000

Joe Robbins, Getty Images

Culprit: Benjamin Watson, New England Patriots
What He Did: Stuffed the ball up his jersey as an end zone tribute to his expectant wife and the couple's yet-to-be-born daughter
NFL Fined Him: $10,000

Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images

Culprit: Brandon Jones, Tennessee Titans
What He Did: Simulated an arrest during a touchdown celebration against the Jaguars
NFL Fined Him: $15,000

Doug Benc, Getty Images

Culprit: Ryan Clark, Pittsburgh Steelers
What He Did: Wore eye black with the No. 21 to honor his late Redskins teammate, Sean Taylor
NFL Fined Him: $5,000

Gene J. Puskar, AP

Culprit: Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
What He Did: Played the bongo drums on the sideline after a 66-yard TD run
NFL Fined Him: $10,000

Jamie Squire, Getty Images

Culprit: Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins
What He Did: Performed a choreographed "Cupid Shuffle" dance with teammates
NFL Fined Them: $10,000 each

Doug Benc, Getty Images

The rule Ochocinco apparently violated is Rule 5, Section 4, Article 3(a) which actually does specify that all players must wear, among other things, a "Helmet with chin strap (white only) fastened and face mask attached." So it does seem clear that Ochocinco broke a rule. But jeez. It's preseason. And $5,000? Child, please.

Ochocinco's Twitter page is here, if you're interested in the fury and the gory details. But beware, the language isn't exactly PG-13.

Strange. First thing I thought when I heard he was fined for a uniform violation was that it must have something to do with Article 3(g), which governs kicking shoes.