Bill Belichick apologizes after $50K fine for grabbing ref

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick issued an apology after the NFL issued a $50,000 fine for grabbing a referee at the end of Sunday night's loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Belichick had grabbed the official after Ravens kicker Justin Tucker had just kicked the apparent game-winning field goal. On Monday, Belichick explained that the reason he had grabbed the official was to ask whether or not the play would be under review.

The statement that Belichick released is very short and to the point:

"It was inappropriate for me to contact the official. I take responsibility for what happened. I accept the discipline and I apologize for the incident Sunday night in Baltimore."

The New England Patriots enter Week 4 1-2 as they prepare to play the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the game will be televised on CBS.

This story originally appeared at SB Nation.