Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews was fined $15,000 for striking an opponent late. Matthews hit San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick after the whistle in last weekend's match-up.
According to Fox Sports, Kaepernick went out of bounds during a second quarter play when Matthews came at him at a “fully horizontal angle,” tackling him after the referee had blown the whistle.
Matthews responded to the incident Thursday, saying, "I'm an awesome player, not a dirty player.” His coach agreed. "Clay Matthews is not a dirty player, by no means," he said.
Following the tackle, a small fight broke out. However, Matthews was not fined for any behavior during the tussel. 49ers offensive tackle Joe Staley received a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct. Staley was not fined.
ESPN reports that 49ers players were also penalized for behavior during the game. 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks was also fined $12,750 for roughing Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, while 49ers receiver Anquan Boldin will lose $7,875 for a late hit on Packers safety Jarrett Bush.
The 49ers stole the game with a 34-28 victory over the Packers.
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