New England Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork was fined by the NFL for the fourth time this season for a face mask call in the AFC Championship game against San Diego.
Wilfork called the $5,000 fine “ridiculous” and indicated he will appeal it in the off season.
“I don’t want to get into it [publicly] with the NFL,” Wilfork said. “They’ll probably fine me or suspend me [for criticism]. That’s something I’ll have to take care of in the offseason.”
The fourth-year veteran was fined for a play that occurred with about five minutes remaining in the first quarter last Sunday. On first-and-10 from the New England 40, Chargers running back Michael Turner carried over left guard for five yards, and Wilfork grabbed his facemask as he attempted to make the tackle.
Prior to this, Wilfork was fined a total of $32,500 this season for a late hit on Buffalo quarter J.P. Losman, for tangling with Dallas tight end Jason Witten and for poking Giants running back Brandon Jacobs in the eye.
