Brandon Jacobs again is in trouble with the NFL for an encounter with fans.
Sources with knowledge of the situation told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora on Friday that the New York Giants running back has been fined $20,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct toward fans, his second such violation this year.
After the conclusion of pregame warmups before the Giants' Week 11 showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jacobs was observed by an NFL security representative making obscene gestures and yelling obscenities toward fans in the stands at Lincoln Financial Field.
In a letter to Jacobs, NFL executive vice president of football operations Ray Anderson said the conduct was "unprofessional and unbecoming as an NFL player" and noted that "repeated violations will result in increased disciplinary action, which may include suspension for conduct detrimental to the league."
The running back's first fan encounter this season came in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, when a frustrated Jacobs flung his helmet into the stands at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jacobs later apologized, calling the action accidental, but he was benched for the reminder of the game by Giants coach Tom Coughlin and later fined $10,000 by the league.
Coughlin announced earlier this week that Jacobs had regained his starting role in the Giants' offense because of Ahmad Bradshaw's ball security issues. Jacobs has 78 carries for 387 yards and five touchdowns this season.
Jacobs is expected to appeal the fine.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly also was fined $20,000 by the NFL for unnecessary roughness on a special teams play when he unnecessarily struck a Pittsburgh Steelers player in the head area. Kelly was docked $5,000 in 2008 for a late shove of an opponent during a loss to the San Diego Chargers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
