NFL fines San Diego Charger LB Melvin Ingram for hit on New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees – NFL News
The National Football League (NFL) has penalised San Diego Chargers rookie linebacker Melvin Ingram with a fine of $15,750 for his illegal hit on New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. The league took the action on Friday, October 12, 2012.
Ingram has been docked for a play in which he hit Brees on his head and neck during Week 5 game on Sunday, October 07.
Even though the punishment from the league officials has come five days after the incident, Ingram immediately got into trouble during that game because of that hit.
The hit nullified an interception which was returned for a touchdown by Chargers linebacker Demorrio Williams. This could have taken the Chargers’ lead to a massive 31-14.
It did not happen that way and Saints managed to score on that same drive later, making the score 24-21. Saints won that game 31-24. It was their first victory this season.
Chargers head coach Norv Turner said Ingram is still a rookie and will be analysed carefully in order to make him a more disciplined player. Turner said:
"We’re going to fix that issue. It’s coaching and it’s technique. It’s him understanding the way the games are officiated. There’s no question that we addressed it after the Raider game, and it’s something that we’re going to have to deal with. You look
at the great pass-rushers in this league and they’ve all learned how to handle it. We’ve got to get Melvin to do the same thing.”
It was not the first time that Ingram made a blunder at critical stage of the game. In the season opener against Oakland Raiders, Ingram hit quarterback Carson Palmer which was termed as a foul by the replacement referees.
Raiders later went on to score a touchdown after two plays.
There is no doubt about his talent and ability, but Chargers must mould him into a gentleman kind of a player.
Ingram was drafted by Chargers in first round (18th overall pick) in this year’s draft. He has compiled 29 tackles and three forced fumbles.
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