Green Bay Packers LB Clay Matthews hit with $15,000 fine for hit on Colin Kaepernick

Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews may be an “awesome player” in his own eyes, but today, his checkbook took a little hit.

According to an NFL spokesman earlier today, Matthews was hit with a $15,000 fine for last Sunday’s hit on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Matthews hit Kaepernick in the second quarter of the game, which San Francisco won, 34-28, and was penalized for 15 yards following the play.

Not only that, but after the 49ers’ Joe Staley was hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct (which the NFL backed away from later), the team was mistakenly given an extra down, which they took advantage of by scoring a touchdown, opening up a little controversy following the contest.

This appears to only be the beginning of what may be leading up to a bitter rivalry between the two teams. Beforehand, there was some back and forth between both sides. After the game, Niners coach Jim Harbaugh insinuated that Matthews was a dirty player, but Packers coach Mike McCarthy stood up for his player, saying that the team would take the high road. But it’s clear that both teams will remember the events of Sunday.

Also fined as a result of their actions during the game: Niners linebacker Ahmad Brooks ($12,750 for a roughing the passer later) and wideout Anquan Boldin ($7,875–late hit)

The Packers host the Redskins on Sunday; the 49ers pay a visit to Seattle for the Sunday night game.