Mangini praises Ward's aggressive play, anticipates fine

Published: Oct 04, 2010 at 08:29 AM

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns coach Eric Mangini expects the NFL to fine T.J. Ward for his vicious helmet-to-helmet hit on Cincinnati wide receiver Jordan Shipley, but he insists Cleveland's rookie safety is not a dirty player.

Ward flattened Shipley in the end zone during the fourth quarter of the Browns' 23-20 win over the Bengals on Sunday. Shipley sustained a concussion and did not come back in the game.

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Terrell Owens both accused Ward of taking a "cheap shot" at Shipley, who did not have the ball. Ward said he was within the rules and would make the same hit again.

Mangini says he doesn't want Ward to play with less aggression, but he doesn't want him to do anything that will hurt the team.

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