FOXBORO, Mass. — Brandon Browner’s crushing blow on San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green drew a penalty, but no money is coming out of the New England Patriots cornerback’s wallet for the hit.
Browner wasn’t fined for the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty called on him during last Sunday’s game in San Diego, according to an NFL spokesman.
Browner hit Green when the tight end was targeted by Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers over the middle of the field. When Browner hit Green, the ball popped in the air and Patriots safety Devin McCourty intercepted it for a 56-yard touchdown. The play was called back, though, when two official threw flags on Browner.
Green suffered a concussion on the play that officials incorrectly called a helmet-to-helmet hit. Browner’s shoulder pads hit Green’s shoulder and face mask, jarring the ball loose.
NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino said the play was correctly penalized but that similar calls could be reviewed in the future.
Thumbnail photo via Denis Poroy/Associated Press
