BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn has been fined by the NFL for his low hit on Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs.
After throwing an interception in Monday night's 16-0 loss to the Ravens, Quinn dived at Suggs' knees while trying to bring down cornerback Chris Carr, who had picked off a pass. Suggs had to leave the game and could miss significant playing time.
Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis accused Quinn of a cheap shot.
Quinn understands why the Ravens were mad and can appreciate them questioning his intentions.
"I can see why they'd be upset," he said Wednesday. "But again, he wasn't even in my vision. I was trying to get to the ball. He cut across my face as I was already trying to jump down for the tackle."
Quinn dropped his head and threw his body into Suggs' left knee, thinking he would be able to bring down Carr. Quinn was flagged for a low block, and the Browns were penalized 15 yards.
Quinn received a letter from the league on Wednesday, but he wouldn't disclose the size of his fine, saying only that it was "a good amount."
Quinn maintains he wasn't trying to hurt Suggs, with whom he has worked out during the offseason. Quinn apologized to Suggs and the Ravens after the game and plans to reach out to the linebacker again.
"I wasn't trying to go for him," Quinn said. "I was trying to go for the ball carrier. Unfortunately, a thing like that can happen. I'm praying for him. Hopefully he'll be all right."
Browns coach Eric Mangini believes Quinn was only trying to tackle Carr.
"Knowing Brady, he's a good person," Mangini said. "I don't think he would ever look to hurt someone deliberately."
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press