Chicago Bears’ Jon Bostic fined by NFL, Lance Briggs doesn’t understand why
By Mike Dyce
Chicago Bears rookie linebacker Jon Bostic laid out San Diego Chargers wide receiver Mike Willie in a preseason game. The hit looked legal, but the NFL has decided to fine Bostic $21,000 for it.
His teammate, linebacker Lance Briggs, doesn’t seemed to agree and is confused by it.
Shaking my head moment. Nfl fines jon bostic 21k for his clean hit against the chargers.
— Lance Briggs (@LanceBriggs) August 21, 2013
Bostic's hit illegal. Hit on dustin keller. Legal.
— Lance Briggs (@LanceBriggs) August 21, 2013
The hit energized the Bears defense and reminded them of Briggs.
“Kind of looked Lance Briggs-esque,” defensive end Corey Wootton said. “Everyone was saying, ‘That’s mini Lance over there.’ It was a heck of a hit by him. He has been having a great preseason. He’s been great so far.”
Here is how the Chicago Tribune explains the fine:
"Bostic was fined for a hit against a defenseless receiver for lowering his head and making forcible contact with the top or crown of his helmet. The specific rule is No. 12, Section 2, Article 7 (b) (2) which states “Prohibited contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture is: (2) Lowering the head and making forcible contact with the top/crown or forehead/”hairline” parts of the helmet against any part of the defenseless player’s body.”"