Ed Reed fined $55K by NFL for illegal hit on Victor Cruz

The NFL fined Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed$55,000 for his illegal hit on New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, Fox Sports insider and NFL Network contributor Jay Glazer reported Thursday.

NFL.com's Albert Breer, via a source briefed on the fine, confirmed the league's punishment of Reed, who was flagged for the fourth-quarter hit during the Ravens' 33-14 win last Sunday.

The NFL suspended Reed for one game in November for his third hit on a defenseless player in a four-year span. Reed appealed, and the suspension was replaced with a $50,000 fine.

"I just play the game," Reed told The Baltimore Sun on Thursday before the fine was announced. "I let them make those decisions."

Reed hasn't been thrilled with the way the NFL has ruled on his hits. Cruz said after the game that he believed the hit was legal.

At least it didn't draw another suspension.

Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.