Players Tackle 'Excessive' NFL Fines

The NFL players union is taking action on member complaints that the league has gone fine-happy this season, reports the Washington Post. Players charge that fines for illegal hits have become excessive. The union director is seeking a new system that would allow disgruntled players to appeal penalty decisions to an independent arbitrator. "It is something the players feel is getting out of hand," said the union chief.

Players have been particularly outspoken about the league's crackdown on moves deemed to pose injury risks. Steelers safety Troy Polamalu has complained that the fines are turning football into "a pansy game," and charges that the policy is more about making money than keeping players safe. Commissioner Roger Goodell said players must be held accountable for violations
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