T.J. Ward Fined for Hit on Julian Edelman: Latest Details and Comments

The NFL fined Denver Broncos safety T.J. Ward $9,115 for an unnecessary roughness penalty on New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman during Week 15, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com.

The incident occurred when Patriots quarterback Tom Brady missed high on a pass intended for Edelman. After the ball slipped through the receiver's hands, Ward wrapped Edelman up and slammed him to the turf well after the play. 

It allowed the Patriots to continue their fourth-quarter drive with a 16-3 lead and kill off the game. Ward only made matters worse when he flexed in Edelman's direction after the flags came flying.

This wasn't the first run-in Ward has had with the Patriots or Edelman. 

In 2013, when Ward was a member of the Cleveland Browns, he delivered a low hit to tight end Rob Gronkowski that sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Ward didn't show too much remorse afterward, telling the media he was sorry for hurting Gronkowski "but that’s about it," according to the Boston Globe (h/t NESN.com).  

Two years later, during the AFC Championship Game in January, Edelman launched himself toward the knees of Ward, a member of the Broncos by then, on a block. While the wideout didn't get a lot of the safety, it did grab his attention as he delivered a Dikembe Mutombo-like finger wag toward Edelman after the play.

That could have been fresh in Ward's mind when the opportunity arose Sunday. However, he claimed innocence when asked about it after the game, via 104.3 The Fan:

Ward was also fined last season for a hit on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, according to 9News.com's Mike Klis. On that play, Ward launched himself into the stomach of the receiver, garnering a penalty and a fine of $17,363. 

The Denver safety continues to garner a bad reputation around the league with acts like this, which might put a target on his back the next time he meets up with New England.