Lynch fined 75K for helmet to helmet hit...

Sydd · 01-04-2005, 09:07 PM

but the Denver fans said it was 'legal'.

DENVER (AP) -- Broncos safety John Lynch was fined $75,000 by the NFL on Tuesday for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Colts fullback Dallas Clark last weekend.

A league spokesman said Lynch, a 12-year veteran with a reputation as a hard hitter, received the harsh penalty because this was his fourth fine for unnecessary roughness since 2001. The first three all cost him $7,500.

The hit came in the first quarter Sunday.

Clark made a catch and Lynch leveled him just as he turned around. A flag went flying, the ball came loose, it was scooped up by Colts receiver Reggie Wayne, but he then fumbled and Broncos cornerback Kelly Herndon picked it up and ran for a touchdown. Because the hit didn't result in a tackle, officials picked up the flag.

On review, however, officials ruled the pass was incomplete and reinstated the personal foul.

The Broncos were off Tuesday and Lynch was unavailable for comment. After the game, though, the safety said he had no regrets about the hit and insisted it would send a message for the rematch between the teams this Sunday in the first round of the playoffs.

``They're great players,'' Lynch said. ``You've got to find something to slow them down. The only way I think people have found is to be physical with them.''

The hit knocked Clark out of the game with a concussion. He looked dazed on the sideline and had some blood inside his mouth. Approached by a teammate, he could be seen mouthing the words ``I fumbled?'' when told of the result of the play.

Lynch talked at length about the hit Sunday, and even joked a little, relaying a conversation he had with officials: ``I told the ref, `You're killing me. I've got three kids to send to school,''' Lynch said.

The NFL spokesman said the fine had nothing to do with Lynch's comments, only his actions on the field.

This was the second $75,000 fine the NFL has levied in two weeks. The league fined Donovin Darius of the Jaguars for a clothesline hit that temporarily paralyzed Packers receiver Robert Ferguson.

Lynch was the first player to be fined this season -- a $7,500 penalty for a hard hit just below Chiefs receiver Dante Hall's chin in the season opener. Upon receiving that fine, Lynch criticized the league.

``If you make the highlights these days, you're going to get fined,'' he said. ``That's pretty much what it comes down to. It's kind of hypocritical. They put it on their `Greatest Hits,' but they'll fine you for it, too.''

This week, knowing a fine was probably coming, Lynch didn't seem as concerned.

``I think it sparked the team,'' he said. ``Regardless of what happens, people will remember it.''

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

01-04-2005, 09:07 PM	Topic Starter
Sydd Hail to the King baby! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Olathe Casino cash: $9995725	Lynch fined 75K for helmet to helmet hit... but the Denver fans said it was 'legal'. DENVER (AP) -- Broncos safety John Lynch was fined $75,000 by the NFL on Tuesday for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Colts fullback Dallas Clark last weekend. A league spokesman said Lynch, a 12-year veteran with a reputation as a hard hitter, received the harsh penalty because this was his fourth fine for unnecessary roughness since 2001. The first three all cost him $7,500. The hit came in the first quarter Sunday. Clark made a catch and Lynch leveled him just as he turned around. A flag went flying, the ball came loose, it was scooped up by Colts receiver Reggie Wayne, but he then fumbled and Broncos cornerback Kelly Herndon picked it up and ran for a touchdown. Because the hit didn't result in a tackle, officials picked up the flag. On review, however, officials ruled the pass was incomplete and reinstated the personal foul. The Broncos were off Tuesday and Lynch was unavailable for comment. After the game, though, the safety said he had no regrets about the hit and insisted it would send a message for the rematch between the teams this Sunday in the first round of the playoffs. ``They're great players,'' Lynch said. ``You've got to find something to slow them down. The only way I think people have found is to be physical with them.'' The hit knocked Clark out of the game with a concussion. He looked dazed on the sideline and had some blood inside his mouth. Approached by a teammate, he could be seen mouthing the words ``I fumbled?'' when told of the result of the play. Lynch talked at length about the hit Sunday, and even joked a little, relaying a conversation he had with officials: ``I told the ref, `You're killing me. I've got three kids to send to school,''' Lynch said. The NFL spokesman said the fine had nothing to do with Lynch's comments, only his actions on the field. This was the second $75,000 fine the NFL has levied in two weeks. The league fined Donovin Darius of the Jaguars for a clothesline hit that temporarily paralyzed Packers receiver Robert Ferguson. Lynch was the first player to be fined this season -- a $7,500 penalty for a hard hit just below Chiefs receiver Dante Hall's chin in the season opener. Upon receiving that fine, Lynch criticized the league. ``If you make the highlights these days, you're going to get fined,'' he said. ``That's pretty much what it comes down to. It's kind of hypocritical. They put it on their `Greatest Hits,' but they'll fine you for it, too.'' This week, knowing a fine was probably coming, Lynch didn't seem as concerned. ``I think it sparked the team,'' he said. ``Regardless of what happens, people will remember it.'' http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns
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