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Saturday, November 16
 
Taylor denies making 'throat-slash' gesture

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Jacksonville Jaguars tailback Fred Taylor has been fined $10,000 by the league for the so-called "throat slash" gesture he displayed after scoring a touchdown in last week's victory over the Washington Redskins.

In a season dominated by fines against defenders for helmet-to-helmet hits, the sanction against Taylor is believed the first in 2002 for violating a rule that specifically bans the "throat slash" move. The gesture, in which a player runs a finger across his throat, was deemed unacceptable in 2001, when the league fined several players for the action.

Taylor has disputed he used the "throat slash" -- contending instead that he made a gesture across his chest -- and will appeal the fine.

"The league is getting carried away," Taylor said. "I can't afford to be just giving away money."

The incident occurred late in the third quarter Sunday, following Taylor's 12-yard touchdown run, as he turned toward a group of Redskins defenders.

Taylor was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by referees, a 15-yard infraction that was enforced on the ensuing kickoff.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.






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