According to Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston, the NFL has fined New England Patriots defense end Andre Carter $15,000 for a roughing-the-passer penalty on Washington Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman in last Sunday's win. Carter plans to appeal the fine (the third of his career) just as he did with his $15,000 fine from a Week 2 hit on San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers. The league has not responded to Carter's previous appeal (via NESN.com).
Carter, a five-year veteran, says that he was targeting the area where it is legal to hit the quarterback. However at the last minute, Grossman moved slightly to the left which caused Carter, who was fighting off a block, to be flagged for roughing the passer. Carter persists that his intention was not to hit Grossman in that particular spot.
"It's so difficult, because you're trying to play physical and fast," Carter said Friday. "I can't control the fact this player moved a certain way. That's the frustrating part of it." (via ESPN Boston)
As evidence by several other players being handed down several fines, the league is cracking down on certain hits, particularly late hits or those that have helmet-to-helmet contact. As are many players, Carter is very frustrated and feels that the league is being too harsh on players.
"The rules keep on getting more tighter and tighter, to the point where it's like 'How can we play football? How can this game still be physical?' It's just getting so difficult," Carter said. (via ESPN Boston)
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