Brandon Meriweather's game check for the Chicago Bears will be $20,000 lighter this week. According to reports, Meriweather was fined $20,000 for his hit on Steve Smith in last week's game against the Carolina Panthers. Meriweather was fined for a pair of hits on Todd Heap last year so he is a repeat offender in the league's eyes.
Brandon Meriweather Fined $20,000 For Hit On Steve Smith
Brandon Meriweather was fined $20,000 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Steve Smith in Sundays Bears-Panthers game.
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On the play, Cam Newton hit Smith on a route down the right sideline past the cornerback and, as Smith caught the ball, he was met by Meriweather, who was playing safety on the play. It appears Meriweather’s hit is of the helmet-to-helmet variety.
Here’s video of the play:
There weren’t any injuries on the play and there hasn’t been a lot of hubbub about the hit (like you see when quarterbacks are hit). Meriweather was asked by the Chicago Tribune if he would be changing his style as a result of the fine and possible suspension.
“That’s a hard question to answer. If I hold back then it’s ‘He’s playing soft.’ But if I say no, I’m not holding back, then it’s like `He’s defying the rules.’”
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