According to Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune, Bearsβ defensive end Julius Peppers has been fined $5,000 for a hit he laid on Lionsβ QB Matthew Stafford during the first quarter of last Sundayβs game. Apparently Peppers accidentally went to Staffordβs head as he followed through with his motion during the first-quarter rush.
βIβm not going to appeal that,β Peppers said. βMy hand got high. Iβd do the same thing again. Iβm coming around his body to swipe the ball, and my hand hit his head.β
Later, Peppers would sack Stafford injuring his right shoulder and taking him out of the game. Peppers did check to see if Stafford was ok after the game was over.
Former Lions head coach and current Bears defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli saw no problem with the hit itselfβ¦