National Football League

Report: Steelers' Polamalu wins appeal

Published Jan. 12, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

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Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu was informed Thursday he will not have to pay a $10,000 fine for talking on a cell phone on the sideline during an October game after he appealed the ruling, the NFL Network reported, citing a league source.

In a game against the Jaguars on Oct. 16, Polamalu was caught on camera briefly speaking to his wife on the phone after exiting the game with concussion-like symptoms.

The league's initial decision to fine Polamalu was widely criticized -- given that the Steelers star had been given the phone by a trainer to let his wife know he would be OK.

NFL players are strictly prohibited from using cell phones or other personal electrical devices near the bench area during games.