Steelers' Ward docked $5,000 for late hit on Browns CB Holly

[JimMac]

Cleveland Browns cornerback Daven Holly took offense to the late hit laid on him by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward in last week's season opener.

The league agreed, and took $5,000 out of Ward's paycheck.

Long regarded as one of the NFL's best and most physical blockers at the wide receiver position, Ward has been fined $5,000 for unnecessary roughness for a play that Holly termed "a heinous act," and one that left the third-year cornerback with a concussion.

It is not known if Ward, a 10-year veteran and one of the most respected players in the league, will appeal the fine.

Ward called the play "a clean hit that just came a little late."

The play in question came with 3:18 remaining in the third quarter, and Pittsburgh leading 24-7 in what would be a 34-7 victory. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completed a 17-yard pass to tailback Najeh Davenport and Ward, blocking downfield, hit Holly from behind.

Ward was assessed a 15-yard personal foul for a hit that knocked Holly unconscious for a short time. Holly subsequently got to his feet and left the field with some assistance. The Steelers then scored on the ensuing play, on Roethlisberger's 22-yard pass to tight end Heath Miller.

"I don't feel like it was a respectable shot," Holly told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer this week.

The cornerback missed one day of practice, by Friday seemed to be fine, and is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

In another incident, the league has fined Buffalo defensive end Chad Kelsay $5,000 for a hit on Denver quarterback Jay Cutler last week. The hit, which appeared to be helmet-to-helmet contact, did not draw a flag.

[83-Steelers-43]

As long as they didn't find a video camera on him, it's all good.

[fansince'76]

I still never heard a whistle before the hit. But if Ward says the hit came late, I'll take his word for it.

[Atlanta Dan]

Originally Posted by fansince'76

I still never heard a whistle before the hit. But if Ward says the hit came late, I'll take his word for it.

Maybe Ward should issue a statement like this:

I accept full responsibility for the actions that led to today's ruling. Once again, I apologize to the Rooney family and every person directly or indirectly associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the embarrassment, distraction and penalty my mistake caused. I also apologize to Steelers fans and would like to thank them for their support during the past few days and throughout my career.

My block had no impact on the outcome of last week's game. I have never engaged in conduct that has resulted in a penalty to obtain a competitive advantage while the game was in progress.

Part of my job as a Steelers player is to ensure that our football operations are conducted in compliance of the league rules and all accepted interpretations of them. My interpretation of a rule was incorrect.

With today's resolution, I will not be offering any further comments on this matter. We are moving on with our preparations for Sunday's game.

[Edman]

It was late. I don't mind the fine. Of course, Clown fans are calling Hines a dirty player. This is coming from a fanbase that still brags about Turkey Jones to this day. But Eff them. They suck and their team sucks.

[ShutDown24]

Oh well... At least it's not $500,00

[SteelCityMan786]

Originally Posted by ShutDown24

Oh well... At least it's not $500,00

Unlike a certain team we know of.

[ShutDown24]

Originally Posted by Lloydfan4life

The fans are calling him DIRTY???
At least he didn't steal some crippled guy's wheelchair!!

lol they will call Ward dirty for a late hit but not Winslow.

[RJC]

Hines Ward is everything that is Steelers Football. A blue collared tough guy that could have played in any era. A SS playing WR. Can you imagine what he would have been like playing SS? Holy Mother Of God!!!

[JAG151]

Originally Posted by Edman

It was late. I don't mind the fine. Of course, Clown fans are calling Hines a dirty player. This is coming from a fanbase that still brags about Turkey Jones to this day. But Eff them. They suck and their team sucks.

I say we take up a collection for Hines, if we each pitch in a buck or 2 we could probably make it!! If we go over, we could donate it to Hines' favorite charity!

I'm kidding of course, but I just hate the brownies ever since that dipwad turkey jones slammed Bradshaw into the ground like that.

HE AINT NO STEELER KILLER EITHER!!