Linemen Udeze, Williams each fined by NFL for hits

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Comments0
• Email
• Print

Two defensive linemen, Minnesota Vikings end Kenechi Udeze and Green Bay Packers tackle Corey Williams, have been fined $7,500 each for illegal hits against the other team's quarterback in last Sunday's game between the NFC North rivals.

Green Bay shut out Minnesota, 34-0.

Udeze was fined for a third-quarter blow to the head of Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre, a play on which the fourth-year veteran drew a 15-yard personal foul penalty.

The play occurred with 5:13 remaining in the quarter, at the end of a 1-yard scramble by Favre around the right end. The first-down play originated at the Minnesota 40-yard line. With the 1-yard run and 15-yard penalty, the ball was moved to the Vikings' 24-yard line. Six plays later, Favre completed the possession by throwing an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ruvell Martin.

A first-round choice in the 2004 draft, Udeze has a base salary of $649,750 for 2007.

Williams was fined for a play that occurred on the ensuing Minnesota possession, when he tossed Vikings quarterback Brooks Bollinger to the turf after an 11-yard completion to wide receiver Bobby Wade.

Although the hit drew an unnecessary roughness penalty, the foul was offset by an offensive pass interference call against Wade, wiping out the play entirely.

A fourth-year veteran, Williams has a 2007 salary of $850,000.

It is not yet known if either player will appeal the fines.

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Comments0
• Email
• Print
• Subscribe