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Players Tackle 'Excessive' NFL Fines

Pros complain that crackdown on illegal hits is about money, not safety

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 7, 2008 7:38 AM CST

(Newser) – 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

[Images (3)]

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Pittsburgh Steelers' Troy Polamalu (43) appears during a preseason NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Polamalu has complained that the NFL is going over the top with fines. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton )

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) fumbles the ball as he is hit by New York Jets' Dwight Lowery earlier this year in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, right, tries to recover his own fumble after getting hit by Jacksonville Jaguars' Reggie Hayward in Denver last month. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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The players know it's a violent game and they feel that's not taken into consideration. It comes up in virtually every conversation that we have with players,.
- Richard Berthelsen, acting executive director of the NFL players' union

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Players Tackle 'Excessive' NFL Fines