The NFL on Wednesday fined Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin $100,000 for interfering with a kickoff return in Thursday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens.

In addition, the league said it will consider a forfeiture of draft choices for the Steelers because Tomlin's conduct affected a play on the field.

The $100,000 fine is tied for the second-largest reported fine ever given to an NFL coach (2007 Bill Belichick -- $500,000).

The league said Tomlin's actions -- he was standing on the white stripe that borders the playing field and took a step onto the field during Jacoby Jones' kickoff return -- should have resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

"As I stated yesterday, I take full responsibility for my actions, and I apologize for causing negative attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers organization," Tomlin said in a statement. "I accept the penalty that I received. I will no longer address this issue as I am preparing for an important game this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins."

Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he respected "the process" and "everybody involved."

"We certainly respect the Steelers and Mike Tomlin completely. We never really thought for one second that there was intentionality there personally," he said.

Steelers safety Ryan Clark said the idea that the Steelers could lose draft picks in this situation was "stupid."

Asked if it was fair for the league to leave the punishment open, he said, "It's not supposed to be fair."

"Roger Goodell. When has he been fair?" he said.