Chicago's Julius Peppers fined for hit on Matthew Stafford

Adam Hernandez

14 years ago

According to Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune, Bears’ defensive end Julius Peppers has been fined $5,000 for a hit he laid on Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford during the first quarter of last Sunday’s game. Apparently Peppers accidentally went to Stafford’s head as he followed through with his motion during the first-quarter rush.

“I’m not going to appeal that,” Peppers said. “My hand got high. I’d do the same thing again. I’m coming around his body to swipe the ball, and my hand hit his head.”

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 itself…

“In my opinion, he was trying to get the arm,” Marinelli said. “He’s a class act. He’s doing everything we’re trying to do to get the ball. But the officials have a hard job too.”