NEW YORK (AFP) — New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork was fined 35,000 dollars by the National Football League on Thursday for a late hit but not handed a suspension.
Wilfork's late hit on Denver quarterback Jay Cutler in a 41-7 victory on October 20 brought the fine. The Broncos claimed that television replays showed Wilfork elbowing Cutler in the helmet.
The fine came a day after Wilfork, who was fined a total of 35,000 dollars last season, met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in New York to discuss the matter.
Goodell was said to have avoided slamming Wilfork with a ban as well because he said Wilfork, a fifth-season veteran, understands the NFL's tightened emphasis this season on player safety.
The Patriots will face Indianapolis on Sunday.
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