Raiders DC Apologizes For Making Obscene Gesture Toward Officials

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) — Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Jason Tarver has apologized for making an obscene gesture directed at the officials and will be disciplined by the team.

Tarver was caught on television using the one-finger gesture toward the officials after a flag was thrown on cornerback Mike Jenkins for a hit to the head of Pittsburgh running back Le'Veon Bell in Sunday's 21-18 win. The flag was eventually picked up.

"I apologize for my action on the sideline of yesterday's game," Tarver said in a statement Monday. "It was in the heat of the moment, and I regret drawing attention away from the Raiders players and what they accomplished."

The NFL said Monday that any discipline for Tarver will be handled by the Raiders.

Coach Dennis Allen did not excuse the behavior at his weekly news conference.

"I don't know it's one of those things where you say let's forget about it," Allen said. "He's made his statement about what happened. The only thing I'll say is I think he's done an outstanding job with this defense. I think he's a fiery and emotional guy and our players have really taken to that. I think they've embraced that type of attitude and he has the defense playing at a high level right now."

Tennessee defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil was fined $40,000 by the league in 2010 for a similar gesture.

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