Report: Falcons fine DE McKinley after Twitter comments

The Atlanta Falcons reportedly levied an undisclosed fine on Thursday against defensive end Takk McKinley after he criticized the team over social media earlier in the week for not following through on his prior trade demand.

A person close to the situation told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the punishment, which came one day after McKinley claimed via Twitter that the Falcons turned down a second-round pick last year and other offers Tuesday from teams attempting to acquire him at the trade deadline.

Per the report, several current and former employees denied McKinley's claims and said the Falcons did not turn down any trade offers for the four-year veteran.

Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris told reporters Wednesday that McKinley would be held accountable for the post.

"The wrong way to go about is definitely the way Takk is handling it now with a pout," Morris said Wednesday. "So, as soon as we get an opportunity to talk to him about those things, and how he's handling that situation, that will be the first and foremost thing you handle first."

After the deadline passed without a move, McKinley posted to Twitter: "These @AtlantaFalcons turned down a 2nd round draft pick when I requested to get traded last year. The same @AtlantaFalcons turned down a 5th and 6th round draft pick from multiple teams when I requested to get traded this year. I only have 17.5 career sacks."

[SOCIAL}

These @AtlantaFalcons (https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) turned down a 2nd round draft pick when I requested to get traded last year.

The same @AtlantaFalcons (https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) turned down a 5th and 6th round draft pick from multiple teams when I requested to get traded this year. I only have 17.5 career sacks.

??????

— Takkarist McKinley (@Takk) November 4, 2020 (https://twitter.com/Takk/status/1324012384596406275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)