The NFL felt that Chad Ochocinco's in-jest "bribe" attempt was no laughing matter. They fined him $20,000 for pulling a George Washington out during a game and offering it in mock to an official if he ruled his call in Chad's favor.

The NFL also levied a fine to Falcons coach Mike Smith for his involvement in the sideline scrap (I have used fracas too many times this week already) in his team's win over the Redskins. LaRon Landry and Albert Haynesworth also were fined in the incident that involved DeAngelo Hall. And never mind that Hall told Smith he knew where he could find him in the offseason; he wasn't fined.

I am scratching my head a little here. I wrote earlier this week that I was not bothered by Smith's involvement, trying to break up a fight (or so I thought) on his sideline. What's he supposed to do, send one of his minions in? They can't afford that fine I am guessing.

OK, so he gets 15K. I am sure he'll write Roger Goodell a personal check. But why is Ochocinco's fine worth 5K more? I'll tell you why: It was fine up until a point, but once Chad said the magic word after the game — bribe — it cost him. With all the aftermath of the NBA refs scandal, the NFL has been on high alert to prevent anything along these lines. And though Ocho has been a bit of comic relief for years and no one in his right mind takes him seriously with this stuff, the NFL felt the need to send a message.

I think the message was more for the public. Assuming the Smith fine was just (I don't, but let's assume it was), was what Ocho did worth 33 percent more? Seems a little silly to me, but the No Fun League has its way of doing business.

Follow Eric Edholm's "Around the NFL" blog, with frequent postings throughout the week.