The unexpected win by the Panthers over the Redskins came with a price. Sort of.
Two defensive players were slapped by the league office for illegal hits.
Defensive end Greg Hardy (pictured) was fined $15,750 for striking Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III in the head. Also, safety Haruki Nakamura received a $21,000 fine for striking receiver Joshua Morgan in the head at a time when he was defenseless. Both acts were flagged during Carolina’s win over Washington.
All fines are subject to appeal. If upheld, the money is withheld from the player’s paycheck, and the cash goes to a variety of league charities.