Radio Host: Donovan McNabb Likely To Face Fine for Phone Stunt

Near the conclusion of the Philadelphia Eagles' 23-11 playoff triumph over the New York Giants, quarterback Donovan McNabb ran out of bounds after a short scramble.

McNabb ended up on the New York side of the field, and he inexplicably proceeded to pick-up a Giants sideline telephone intended for New York coaches and players. The quarterback pretended he was having a short conversation and was promptly flagged for a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

As you might imagine, video of the quarterback's gaffe is already making the Internet rounds. It is at least the third such McNabb season low-light to receive widespread attention, joining footage of McNabb discussing his ignorance of the NFL's rules regarding tie games and, of course, coverage of McNabb being benched in Philadelphia's game against the Baltimore Ravens.

If being Arizona+Cardinals/61193128.blog/1">mocked on national television by FOX announcers Joe Buck and Troy Aikman were not bad enough, Fox Sports Radio's John Fricke opined earlier tonight that McNabb is likely to be fined for his sideline shtick as well.

Given the NFL's history of dipping into the wallets of its players for a multitude of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, Fricke could very well be proven correct.

Fox's Chris Myers asked McNabb about the incident during their postgame interview, and McNabb confessed that his phone break was something the quarterback shouldn't have done. McNabb later added that he apologized to the team for his stunt and relayed that he felt the matter was "over."

If John Fricke has got it right, however, then the incident isn't yet in the rearview mirror. McNabb still may be forced to shell out some cold, hard cash for his sideline dalliance. Not to mention the endless video loops, Internet discussion, television banter and talk-radio rehashing to come.

In what should have been an afternoon of individual redemption, McNabb instead appears to have found a way to dial up more personal criticism. How long this subplot runs is anyone's guess, but for a player working in what is widely perceived to be the harshest sports town in all of America, McNabb would have been better served by leaving his Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? lifeline impersonation at home.

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