Terrell Owens has become the latest NFL player to learn that Twitter isn't necessarily free.
The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver has been fined $5,000 for violating the NFL's prohibition on using social media shortly before games, a league source told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora.
Owens acknowledged that he broke the rule by sending out a tweet an hour before Cincinnati's 24-21 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Owens' tweet read: "A lucky fan wearing my jersey 2day will get a signed football by Me & Ocho Cinco! My asst will pick U out!! Good luck!"
Players and coaches are prohibited from using social media 90 minutes before games, during games and shortly afterward.
Teammate Chad Ochocinco received a $25,000 fine for tweeting before and during a preseason game.
Owens, Ochocinco and Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett are the only players who have violated the league's restrictions, which went into effect before last season. Dockett was fined $5,000 for sending a tweet 20 minutes before a game.
League sources also tell La Canfora that Redskins defensive end Jeremy Jarmon has been fined $5,000 for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Washington's 16-13 overtime win on Sunday. Rodgers was diagnosed with a concussion, but is probable to play this week.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
