Jameel McClain fined $40K for helmet hit

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PITTSBURGH -- Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain and defensive lineman Haloti Ngata have both drawn the NFL's wrath for hits to the head in Sunday night's 13-10 loss to the Steelers.

McClain was fined $40,000 for his helmet hit that left Steelers tight end Heath Miller with a concussion, while Ngata drew a $15,000 fine for a hit to the face of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during Pittsburgh's first series. Ngata's left hand raked across the quarterback's face during Pittsburgh's first offensive series, but he was not penalized.

Roethlisberger suffered a broken nose on the hit, but he underwent surgery to repair the injury Monday and is not expected to miss any action.

Roethlisberger bled profusely, but was treated on the sideline and returned to the game without missing any plays. He later threw the game-winning touchdown pass as Pittsburgh rallied.

The operation was performed on Monday, and Roethlisberger is expected to play Sunday against Cincinnati. He also underwent nose surgery after being seriously injured in a June 2006 motorcycle accident in Pittsburgh.

Despite the NFL's stricter enforcement of potentially dangerous hits, McClain was not penalized for a hit that bent Miller's head and neck backward during the third quarter Sunday night. Miller remained on the turf for several minutes before being helped off the field.

Even before the game ended, multiple NFL officials said the hit should have been penalized.

Miller did not return to the game. He must pass a series of concussion tests before being allowed to play again.

Last week, Houston Texans safety Bernard Pollard was fined $40,000 for unnecessary roughness against Justin Gage of the Tennessee Titans. Pollard was fined for striking Gage in the head area when the Titans receiver was defenseless.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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