According to a league spokesman, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali has been fined $5,000 for a roughing the passer penalty against the Oakland Raiders.
Judging by the replay, the fine is a result of the NFL's crackdown on protecting quarterbacks, especially down by the knees.
With 2:38 left in the second quarter of the Chiefs 16-10 victory over the Raiders, Hali got past tackle Mario Henderson and dove at Russell as he threw causing an incomplete pass.
Hali was flagged for roughing the passer. However, Henderson was also called for offensive holding.
The penalties were offsetting and the down was played again.
A few weeks ago, linebacker Corey Mays was hit with a similar fine for hitting the Chargers Philip Rivers. Against the Giants, Jarrad Page was flagged for hitting a defenseless receiver. The call was questionable and the league office did not fine him. Against the Cowboys, a defender was flagged and fined for hitting a defenseless Bobby Wade.