49ers' Ahmad Brooks Called for Game-Changing Penalty on Saints' Drew Brees

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks sacked New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees in the fourth quarter of their Week 11 matchup, which caused Brees to fumble the football.

San Francisco wound up recovering the fumble. However, the referee called Brooks for a personal foul because it was a blow to the head and neck area. The Saints retained possession.

The 49ers held a 20-17 lead at the time, and the Saints were facing a crucial 3rd-and-2 at San Francisco's 35-yard line with only a few minutes left in the game.

Update: Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 3:16 p.m. ET

According to Adam Schefter, Ray Lewis will honor his offer to pay for half of Brooks' fine from the NFL. 

"

ESPN analyst Ray Lewis: "I will see Ahmad on Monday and I will have a check in hand for half of the fine."

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 20, 2013"

---End of update--- 

Update: Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 12:33 p.m. ET

Adam Schefter from ESPN is reporting that Brooks has been fined $16,000 for the hit on Brees.  Ray Lewis said on air that he would pay for half of the fine.

"

NFL fined 49ers LB Ahmad Brooks $16,000 for hit on Saints QB Drew Brees. Ray Lewis has offered to pay half the fine.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 20, 2013"

 ---End of update---

Update: Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 6:29 p.m. ET

From Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group: 

"

#NFL VP of officials stands by call vs #49ers Brooks for "forcible contact to head or neck area, even if contact starts below neck & rises"

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) November 19, 2013"

---End of update---

Update: Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 3:34 p.m. ET

ESPN's Ed Werder has an update on Ahmad Brooks' hit on Drew Brees:

"The NFL is reviewing San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks for possible discipline for his illegal hit on New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, a blow that seemed a textbook example of the league rule prohibiting defensive players from hitting the quarterback in the head and neck, a league source said Tuesday."

---End of update--- 

Update: Sunday, Nov. 17 at 8:34 p.m. ET

A league source said that it was the "absolutely correct call," according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

---End of update---

New Orleans would go on to kick a game-tying field goal a few plays later. The Saints wound up winning 23-20 on a last-second field goal.

Instead of recovering the fumble and potentially running out the clock, the 49ers allowed the tying score and eventually lost. 

Were the 49ers robbed, or was it the right call?