Report: Vikings S Harrison Smith fined $21,000 for hit on defenseless receiver

During the first week of preseason games, Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie left his feet and landed a blow to the head of Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich. The NFL promptly fined him $21,000. Three weeks later, PFT.com reports that Vikings rookie safety Harrison Smith got a similar invoice from the league office after he was flagged for unnecessary roughness against the Chargers.

Smith left his feet and hit a defensive player in the head. (US Presswire)

During the first week of preseason games, Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie left his feet and landed a blow to the head of Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich. The NFL promptly fined him $21,000. Three weeks later, PFT.com's Mike Florio reports that Vikings rookie safety Harrison Smith got a similar invoice from the league office after he was flagged for unnecessary roughness against the Chargers.

On the play in question -- a pass over the middle intended for San Diego wideout Mike Willie -- Smith left his feet, led with his shoulder and hit Willie in the head.

According to Florio, "The NFL specifically noted that Harrison’s hit was with his shoulder — not his helmet — but that doesn’t matter. It’s against the rules to use any part of your body to hit an opponent in the head or neck area when he’s considered a defenseless player."

As a result, Smith's paycheck will be light $21,000.

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter and like us on Facebook. You can follow Ryan Wilson on Twitter here: @ryanwilson_07.