John Lynch’s appeal has hit a dead end.
An NFL spokesman confirmed Tuesday that the league is upholding the $75,000 fine it levied against the Broncos’ Pro Bowl safety for his Jan. 2 hit on Indianapolis tight end Dallas Clark.
“The appeal was heard by commissioner Paul Tagliabue’s designated appeals officer, Jackie Slater, and after deliberation, it was determined there will be no change in the fine,” NFL spokesman Steve Alic said.
Lynch traveled to New York on April 13 to state his case. Lynch was unavailable for comment Tuesday.
His hit came in the final regular-season game against the Colts. Lynch drew a 15-yard penalty and later was fined $75,000 by the league for leading with his helmet. It was the fourth time since the 2001 season Lynch was fined for an illegal hit.
In addition to the fine, NFL director of football operations Gene Washington sent a letter to Lynch warning him that game officials would be keeping a close eye on the safety when the Broncos met the Colts on Jan. 9 in a wild-card playoff game.
Lynch and Denver-based attorney Harvey Steinberg considered Washington’s letter out of line. In a letter to Washington, obtained by The Denver Post in January, Steinberg wrote: “The inclusion of this language can only be perceived as an attempt to influence and affect John’s play during the game.”
After the Broncos lost 49-24 to the Colts in the playoffs, Lynch said he did not shy away from big hits, but he said the week of controversy affected him.
“With my experience, I thought I could channel my emotions,” he said. “But to be completely honest, I was drained coming into the game.”
Sauerbrun decision looms
Whether the Broncos trade for Carolina punter Todd Sauerbrun could be settled by the end of the week. If the Broncos trade for Sauerbrun, they likely would send the Panthers a seventh- round draft pick.
“If Denver wants Todd, he’ll be a Bronco,” Sauerbrun’s agent, David Canter, said Tuesday. “Todd had a spectacular visit there. His direct quote to me about it was, ‘I could win for Mike Shanahan.’ We’ll see soon where this thing goes.”
A sticking point could be the remaining three years of Sauerbrun’s contract. It likely would be restructured.
Sauerbrun, a three-time Pro Bowl punter who also would likely kick off, visited the Broncos on Monday. Other teams that might be interested in Sauerbrun include Minnesota, Tampa Bay and the New York Jets.
If a trade isn’t made in the next three weeks, Sauerbrun likely will be released after June 1.
Staff writer Bill Williamson contributed to this report.
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
