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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 1:59 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2008

NFL: Lions fine Raiola $7,500 for offensive gesture

Associated Press

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Detroit center Dominic Raiola's offensive gesture toward heckling Lions fans will cost him $7,500.

The team announced the fine against the eight-year veteran on Tuesday, two days after Detroit fell to 0-13 with a 20-16 loss to Minnesota at Ford Field. The money will be donated to a local charity.

Lions executive vice president Tom Lewand says in a statement that the club apologizes to any fans offended by Raiola's gesture. But Raiola said Monday that he had no remorse and was tired of being a doormat.

Detroit has lost 20 of its past 21 and is 31-94 since 2001.

Raiola played at Saint Louis School.