CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason called his $10,000 fine for a hit to the head of New Orleans Saints receiver Marques Colston unwarranted on Thursday and vowed to appeal.
Beason acknowledged he was fined for the hit that drew a 15-yard penalty in the third quarter of Sunday's 34-3 loss to the Saints. Beason said he was covering another player when Colston caught a 7-yard pass near him and he lowered his head to brace for impact.
"It wasn't like the ball was in the air 40 yards downfield. It was a 4-yard route," Beason said. "Defensive guys have the right to protect themselves as well. I don't get in that situation what I was supposed to do.
"But they're enforcing it right now and they're going to be extremely stern about how they handle things and everything that's ticky-tack they're going to fine guys."
Beason, who was penalized for a hit on a defenseless player, stressed that he never left his feet nor led with his helmet.
"As soon as I turned he was right there," Beason said. "But they threw a flag so they've got to fine me."
Beason thinks the NFL is getting so strict that receivers might start to stay down after hard hits to draw 15-yard penalties.
"That stuff is going to get to the point where guys are going to lay there on purpose and get 15 (yards) and pop back up and be back in the game," Beason said. "Why not? We're trying to win games."
Beason said he would "definitely" appeal the fine, but he had little confidence he would prevail.
"I think they're going to be like, 'OK, leave us alone'," he said.
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
