Jets DE Ellis fined 10K for throwing snow at fans

Dec 23, 2008 - 7:28 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- New York Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis was fined $10,000 by the league on Tuesday for throwing a large chunk of snow at fans following last week's loss in Seattle.

Following the Jets' disappointing 13-3 road loss, Seattle fans pelted New York players with snow balls as they entered the tunnel to the locker room. Ellis responded by walking over to a snow bank and tossing a boulder-sized chunk of snow that hit a fan.

An NFL spokesman released a statement on the fine to PA SportsTicker.

"Players are notified prior to each season that any contact with fans that potentially presents crowd-control issues and risk of injury is prohibited," the statement read.

"In addition, players are informed that they must not confront fans at any time on game day and must leave those types of issues to security personnel."

Ellis already was in hot water with the league before this incident.

The Jets' longest-tenured player was stopped on November 29 in New Jersey and charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Ellis also was issued motor vehicle summonses for driving without insurance, speeding, failure to keep right and failure to produce a valid registration card. The nine-year veteran could face a four-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

The Jets (9-6) need a win against Miami (10-5) this week to keep their playoff hopes alive.