Indianapolis Colts linebacker Gary Brackett was fined $10,000 by the NFL on Friday for the hit he put on quarterback Michael Vick last Sunday in Philadelphia. Brackett was penalized in the first quarter for roughing the passer when he hit Vick after a pass had been delivered. According to a league spokesman, Brackett's fine was because "he unnecessarily struck the quarterback with his helmet." Brackett was not available for comment but had said he expected to be disciplined. He insisted he isn't likely to change his approach. "You've got to play football," he said. "I think I play within the rules." Source: IndyStar
Is the rule you can't hit a player with your helmet? or is that that you can't hit them in the helmet?
When sacking a quarterback who is getting ready to throw a pass, the defender must be careful to avoid contact between his and the passer's helmet as well as hitting him in the head. Whether intentional or not, and whether hard as to cause injury or not, it is considered a personal foul even if the quarterback still has the ball in hand. This does not apply when the quarterback is not trying to pass the ball, such as when he is running. The penalty for committing such a contact is 15 yards plus fine or ejection from the game. However, since October 2010, the NFL has increased the penalty to suspension of players following several incidents of helmet-to-helmet contact that resulted in concussions. NFL Rules to Protect the QB | eHow.com
