New England Patriots offensive lineman Logan Mankins has been fined $7,500 for a late hit against the Kansas City Chief's during New England's victory on Monday night, according to multiple reports citing a league spokesperson.
Mankins was flagged for unnecessary roughness when he pushed Kansas City defensive end Amon Gordon after a fourth quarter play. The penalty was declined by the Chiefs, who chose to accept an illegal motion penalty on the play instead, wiping out a touchdown Aaron Hernandez caught from Tom Brady.
Two plays later, Bill Belichick opted for a very Belichickian move, going for a fourth down and goal from the Chiefs four yard line despite being ahead by 24 points late in the fourth quarter. Rookie Shane Vereen followed his blockers into the end zone for the first touchdown of his career, after which Belichick may or may not have been spotted flipping his middle finger at the Kansas City sideline.
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