Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton said Wednesday he was fined by the NFL for using inappropriate language in the Broncos’ 31-17 victory Sunday over the New York Jets.

Knighton said he used a racial slur after the Broncos scored on Julius Thomas’ 22-yard touchdown reception just before halftime. Officials flagged Knighton for unsportsmanlike conduct. He is a member of the point-after unit, and was seen jawing at the Jets after Brandon McManus’ kick. The game became chippy on several occasions with referees forced to separate players.

“I know the rules, and the league said they were going to enforce it this year … It was me arguing with four guys on their team, and they were using the same language I was using,” said Knighton, who was irritated with the Jets for taking delight in a blow to the head of Broncos linebacker Von Miller that left him woozy earlier in first half.

“I was rubbing it in a little bit after we scored, because (the Jets) were doing a lot of chatting, and when Von got hit on their sideline, they were cheering. That upset me. And when we scored, I let them hear about it.”

Knighton has no plans to appeal the fine, which the league sets at $11,025. Field microphones pick up audio, especially near the goal line. Thomas, for instance, was heard saying ” It’s so (expletive) easy!” after his second touchdown. Knighton declined to expand on the incident when asked about it later Wednesday afternoon.

In March, the NFL competition committee stressed that players using a racial slur during a game would receive an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher, a member of the committee said in Sports Illustrated during the spring meetings: “We have the current rule — unsportsmanlike conduct — Rule 12, Section 3. It states that, ‘Using abusive, threatening or insulting language, or gestures to opponents, teammates, officials or representatives of the league is unsportsmanlike conduct.’

“…. The officials will be empowered to call a foul if there are racial slurs or statements regarding another player’s sexual orientation, or even insulting with verbal abuse. It falls under that. It is going to be a very significant point of emphasis.”

The NFL levied a $11,025 fine on San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick earlier this season for an incident in a game against the Chicago Bears. He challenged the fine, and it was sliced in half when an arbitrator ruled he used general profanity, not a racial slur.

Broncos rookie linebacker Lamin Barrow also is expected to be fined by the league for throwing a punch that led to his ejection against the Jets. The NFL announces fines on Fridays.

Denver Post columnist Mark Kiszla contributed to this report.

Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck