NFL Fines Ravens DB Marcus Peters for Role in Spit-Gate

Jarvis Landry accused Marcus Peters of spitting in his direction. Peters denied it. The NFL believes Landry, and has fined Peters $12,500, as reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

The incident occurred during the Baltimore Ravens' thriller of a 45-42 win over the Cleveland Browns on Monday night. Peters is a defensive back for the Ravens; Landry a top receiver for the Browns. They were matched up, and whenever that happens, there's lots of talking of trash.

There also apparently is more than just that occasionally flying from the players' mouths.

Landry said he didn't see Peters spit at first -- catching it on film in the days after the game. He called Peters a "coward." Peters basically said people didn't know what they were seeing. "Anyone who believes that I intentionally spit at him does not know me — plain and simple," he said.

The NFL must not know Peters, because the league clearly believes that he intentionally spit at Landry.

Now, perhaps both parties can move on. Despite the loss, Landry and the Browns (9-4) remain in the driver's seat in the AFC Wild Card race entering Sunday's game at the New York Giants. Peters and the Ravens (8-5) aren't far behind. They should have an automatic win in hosting the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.