The NFL fined Jets safety Eric Smith $7,500 for his head shot hit on Patriots receiver Wes Welker in the first quarter of last Sunday's game at the Meadowlands.
The NFL ruled that Smith, who was targeting Welker on a crossing pattern over the middle, unnecessarily struck a receiver in a defenseless position and handed down the fine. Welker walked off under his own power and was given several functional tests by Patriots doctor Thomas Gill on the sideline before being cleared to re-enter the game.
The Jets were penalized 15 yards for unnecessary roughness on the play and Patriots coach Bill Belichick was animated his discussion of the play at the time with a side judge. Smith remained in the game and was not suspended for this week's game against the Dolphins.
No Patriots players were fined this week.
For more visit the Patriots team page at weei.com/patriots [1].
Links:
[1] http://www.weei.com/teams/patriots/home
[2] http://www.weei.com/category/boston/patriots