Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Terrell Owens has been fined $5,000 for tweeting too close to Sunday’s kickoff and violating the NFL’s social media policy, a league source tells ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Owens acknowledged on Tuesday that he violated the policy by sending a tweet an hour before the Bengals kicked off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5. Coaches and players are prohibited from using social networks 90 minutes before a game, during a game and shortly afterward.

The policy went into effect before last season. The only one to violate it until Sunday had been Owens’ teammate Chad Ochocinco, who was fined $25,000 for tweeting shortly before and during a preseason game in August.

Owens’ tweet was one of the subjects on the first episode of “The T.Ocho Show” on the Versus cable network.

An hour before the Bengals-Bucs game, Owens sent a tweet from Paul Brown Stadium that he said was part of his work with a charity that helps children in Kenya.

“A lucky fan wearing my jersey 2day will get a signed football by Me & Ocho Cinco! My asst will pick U out!! Good luck!” he tweeted.

Owens said he intended to post the tweet earlier in the day, but he left his home late and forgot to take his cell phone with him. He said he had an assistant bring his cell phone to Paul Brown Stadium.

“I got the tweet out a little late,” he said.

The Bengals were on the field warming up when the tweet was posted.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
-ESPN