The NFL has added insult to injury as they fined suspended Pittsburgh Steelers’ tackle, Marcus Gilbert.
Not only is Gilbert serving a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, but now he’s looking at losing a major chunk of change as well. According to Chris Adamaski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Steelers tackle is now looking at a $9,115 fine for a facemask interaction during the first half of Pittsburgh’s game Thursday against the Titans.
Gilbert is already looking at nearly $1 million in lost pay this season due to the suspension. For someone who was having a very promising season, Gilbert has hit a major roadblock he’ll need to overcome both financially and playing wise.
With Gilbert’s absence, Pittsburgh will turn to Chris Hubbard at right tackle. Although Hubbard has played well during the three games Gilbert missed this season with a lingering hamstring injury, it’s hard to replace a Pro Bowl caliber player this late in the season.
"“I apologize to my teammates, coaches and the entire steelers family,” Gilbert wrote on Twitter at the time of his suspension. “Regretfully I inadvertently took a banned substance. I promise to come back in great shape and will be ready to play when my suspension is over.”"
The Steelers will play a few strong defenses during Gilbert’s absence, including the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, the Ravens in two weeks and the Patriots the last game of Gilbert’s suspension.
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