Calais Campbell Fined $18,231 for Hit on Cam Newton: Latest Details and Reaction

The NFL fined Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell $18,231 for an illegal hit on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in last Sunday's 30-20 loss.

The league confirmed a report by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t NFL.com's Marc Sessler) on Wednesday.

Campbell dove at Newton's knees as he attempted to make a throw in the third quarter, sending the quarterback sprawling to the ground in pain. He was not issued a flag on the play, which rankled Newton after the game.

Newton told reporters he planned on speaking with commissioner Roger Goodell about perceived slights regarding rough hits: 

"

I don’t think there’s a person that can go through what I go through and still keep their heads. Hits to the head, that’s one thing. But when you’re not protected in the pocket, that’s another thing.

The story of my life ever since I came in is, ‘Oh, oh, well, we missed that one. I’m sorry. I’ll try to get it.’ That’s bullcrap. As a player in this league, if we do something stupid we get fined. If you do something derogatory to somebody else, we get fined. I just can’t keep accepting, ‘Oh, we missed that one.’ Or ‘I apologize for doing that.’ Or ‘I didn’t see it.’ That’s horsecrap.

"

The pair had what Newton described as a "great conversation" Wednesday, as he told reporters. He went on to say:

"

It’s funny how a lot of people have a lot to say, and I know the style that I do play. When I’m running the football, I’m on my own. I understand that. I’m not dumb or oblivious to the fact that I run the football more than probably any quarterback that’s played this game. And I’m fine with that.

In the pocket - that’s all I’m asking for. The standard of every person getting the same calls, that’s all.

"

Newton had expressed frustration at seeing other quarterbacks—particularly those with lower statuses within the league—who were receiving better treatment from officials.

The Panthers have consistently been upset that Newton doesn't get the same protection because of his size and tendency to run. At 6'5" and 245 pounds, Newton is one of the NFL's biggest quarterbacks. He has also run for at least 500 yards and five touchdowns in each of his NFL seasons but is on a career-low pace in 2016.

Carolina purposely kept him confined to the pocket for an Oct. 16 loss to the New Orleans Saints after he missed a game due to a concussion. Newton's two carries tied a career low, and his one yard established a new low benchmark.

It will be interesting to see if officials begin treating Newton differently in the coming weeks. The NFL's fine confirms the league felt Newton was correct to believe Campbell's hit was illegal. 

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.