NFL fines Cleveland Browns safety T.J. Ward
Cleveland Browns rookie safety T.J. Ward has reportedly been fined $15,000 for the ferocious hit he laid on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jordan Shipley in the Browns 23-20 victory over the Bengals in week four.
Ward went in with a helmet-to-helmet hit on Shipley in the fourth quarter of last Sunday's game, a split second after the receiver had failed to connect with a pass from quarterback Carson Palmer in the end zone.
Ward denied there being any malice in his take down of Shipley, saying that he believes he led with his shoulder.
"I just tried to make a play, and unfortunately, he got hurt," Ward said before practice on Wednesday, October 6.
"It's part of the violent game we play. If you play that position, it kind of comes with the territory."
"It wasn't malicious intent to knock him out or get him hurt. It's part of the game. I reacted to what I saw and tried to make a play. I didn't really try to hit him with everything I had, but still it was a pretty violent hit. I wasn't trying to aim for
his helmet in any way."
"I just hit what I saw, it all happened so fast."
Bengals players were furious after the game, accusing Ward of dirty play.
"I just hate to see a guy get hit like that in the head," Bengals receiver Terrell Owens said. "For him to take a cheap shot like that, that's uncalled for."
In just four games as a pro, Ward has already earned himself the reputation as a heavy hitter, and Browns head coach Eric Mangini was quick to defend his defensive back and praise his aggressive play.
So far the 23-year-old rookie safety has 28 tackles and has forced one fumble.
The Browns play host to the Atlanta Falcons in week five.
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