Sticking up for his team could cost Broncos coach Mike Shanahan.
According to an NFL source, the league likely will fine Shanahan for comments he made about an officiating call in Denver’s 20-17 win over San Diego.
The fine, expected to be at least $20,000, would be Shana- han’s first for comments about officiating.
Sunday, the Broncos were stripped of a touchdown on a 61- yard punt return by rookie Darrent Williams. Officials ruled Denver had too many men on the field after several players drifted out from the sideline when it became apparent Williams would score. None of the players affected the play.
Shanahan said Monday the call was wrong and those calls aren’t made in high school.
An NFL spokesman said Thursday he could not confirm a fine, but expected to be able to say today if Shanahan will be penalized.
“Sometimes it costs you to tell the truth,” Shanahan said earlier in the week.
First-time fines for coaches range from $20,000 to $100,000.
Two’s a crowd
Denver released Kliff Kingsbury from the practice squad this week and has no immediate plans to add another quarterback to the practice squad. The only two quarterbacks at practice and in position meetings are starter Jake Plummer and backup Bradlee Van Pelt.
Kingsbury was the fourth quarterback the Broncos released since training camp started, joining Danny Kanell, Matt Mauck and Chad Friehauf.
“Jake and I laughed that we’re down to two,” Van Pelt said. “But this is an opportunity for more reps in practice. I’m not going to turn it down.”
Ernster happy in Denver
Kickoff specialist Paul Ernster turned down a chance to sign Wednesday with the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad, opting to stay in Denver.
“I like the coaches here, I like the players, I like Denver, I like everything about being here,” said the rookie, who’s on the Broncos’ practice squad.
Good Jake, bad Jake
Kansas City cornerback Pat- rick Surtain offered a scouting report on Plummer during a conference call Thursday with Denver-area media.
“Talented, can make all the throws, make a couple of mistakes. Athletic, can get outside the pocket, can hurt you with his arm or his legs, but the consensus around the league is that he’ll throw you a couple and when he throws them in the air, that’s your opportunity to make plays,” Surtain said. “He’s going to make big plays and he’s going to give up a couple.
“When the opportunity presents itself, we have to take advantage of it.”
Footnotes
Running back Tatum Bell practiced. He is listed as questionable (sprained ankle) and will be a game-day decision. … The Chiefs returned 156 tickets for Monday’s game. They are available through Ticketmaster.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303 820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
