Did Baltimore Ravens LB Ray Lewis Deserve $20k Fine for Hit on Hines Ward?

The NFL has fined Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis $20,000 for his hit on Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward. While the collision wasn't the hardest we've seen this year, I think the fine is completely justified. 

Again, the hit isn't incredibly violent, but as you can see in the above video, Lewis lowers his head as he approaches Ward to make the hit. Because he ducks his head down, he can't see where he is headed and their helmets collide. As a veteran in his 16th season in the league, Lewis simply has to know better than to do that.

Tacklers have to know that, when diving in to make a play, they have to keep their heads up and see where they are going. Lewis aimed the crown of his helmet at Ward as he moved in for the hit.

I don't think it was Lewis' intention to injure Ward or even take a cheap shot. I just think it was one of those plays that happens in a football game. In fact, at full speed, I didn't think it was even a bad hit. But when slowed down, you can clearly see the helmet-to-helmet contact. 

Fines for plays like this are commonplace in today's NFL and while they may not like it, players have to adjust accordingly. The league is trying to protect players on the field from suffering career-ending or life-threatening injuries, and fines like this are one way to discourage such actions.

Again, I think it is clear that Lewis did not intend to harm Ward, but if other players are going to be fined for similar actions, then the 36-year-old will have to pay up as well.

Ward was clearly shaken up after the play and reportedly showed concussion-like symptoms on the sideline afterwards. I'd be surprised if Lewis didn't actually agree with the fine and accept it without appealing.