Packers rookie outside linebacker Nick Perry expected a fine, but not a $15,000 fine.
Perry got the huge sanction for last week’s hit on Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, for what appeared to be a facemask-to-shoulder pad shot at the end of a clean run.
“[The NFL said] I led with the crown of my head. For that, I got fined,” Perry said, via Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com. “I’ve got to be more focused on making a play without the head.”
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said the fact Perry came through unblocked made it look more illegal than it was.
“When I saw it live it looked like it was a clean hit,” Rodgers said. “I will tell you in my opinion and take it for what it is: I think the flag was thrown because of the way it looked. When [Luck] got hit his head snapped back so hard, I think it looked worse than it actually was. It was Nick Perry who weighs 270 pounds with a hit that was in the [allowed] zone, and I don’t think if you look at the replay was with the crown of his helmet.
“It basically just looked bad because he got a free run of about six yards of space and [Luck’s] head whipped back pretty hard. That’s why I think the penalty was thrown.”
Luck fumbled on the play at his own 17-yard line. So instead of an easy chance to build on a 14-0 lead, the Colts were able to extend the drive.
And now Perry has a sizable donation to make.