EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The NFL fined New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Trent Cole $15,000 each for their scuffle at the end of last Sunday's game.
O'Hara, who plans to appeal the fine, appeared to stiff-arm Cole in the facemask during the closing seconds of the Eagles' 45-38 victory. Cole retaliated by throwing a couple of punches.
"I know that it was a very physical game and there was a lot going on, a lot of things that escalated up to that point," O'Hara said. "One thing I'll say is I'm always going to stick up for myself and stick up for my teammates. There was certainly a lot of pushing and shoving, but I felt the pushing and shoving was going both ways until it escalated."
Cole apologized for his actions earlier this week.
"It was a situation that got ugly and got out of hand, and now I have to pay the consequences for my actions, and I'm going to move forward," Cole said. "Whatever punishment the NFL deals to you, you have to take it. I don't think they're going to be unfair about it ... I'm the one that was out there tussling and fighting."
O'Hara expected to be fined, but he said he was surprised by the amount. He also was stunned that Cole was fined the same amount because the defensive end grabbed O'Hara's facemask, pulled him down and punched him.
O'Hara said his appeal probably won't be heard until February. He isn't very hopeful he will win.
"My Christmas presents are going to be a little bit smaller this year," he quipped.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
