NFL Dishing Out Fines For Unnecessary Roughness and Late Hits

NFL News - October 3rd, 2009 - Written by Jimmy

The NFL is dropping the hammer on it's players by fining them for late hits as well as plays that are deemed to be unnecessary roughness.

On Friday, the NFL handed down fines to Richard Seymour of the Raiders, Patrick Kerney of the Seahawks, and Justin Smith of the 49ers. Each of these players committed infractions during week 3 subsequently leading to fines.

Seymour in a game against the Denver Broncos was hit for $7,500 on what was deemed as unnecessary roughness against Broncos' tackle Ryan Clady. Seymour allegedly pulled Clady's hair after the play was over at some point last week.

As for Patrick Kerney, he got docked with a $5,000 fine for driving Bears' QB Jay Cutler into the ground. The NFL deemed that this was an unnecessary display of roughing the passer.

During the dramatic Vikings victory last week against the 49ers, San Francisco DE Justin Smith was penalized 15 yards for a hit to the knee area of Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre. That hit ended up costing Smith $5,000 and the 49ers 15 yards for unnecessary roughness.

The NFL has been trying to protect quarterbacks through new rules, penalties, as well as with fines. In recent years, the NFL has made several rule changes to help keep quarterbacks healthy after seeing injuries to league stars such as Tom Brady in 2008, and Carson Palmer in the NFL Playoffs of 2006.

The NFL keeps a tight lid on what happens with all the fines collected and do not release official numbers on how much was collected. It is rumored that the NFL gives the money to charities and non-profit organizations as well as to help disabled players.

Earlier this year, the NFL hit the Jets and Eric Mangini with $125,000 in total fines. Good news for all charities and non profit organizations helped by the NFL and it's players.

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