Harrison Smith Will Appeal Preseason Fine

One of the Minnesota Vikings' first-round picks in the 2012 NFL Draft, Harrison Smith, will appeal a recent fine, according to Tom Pelissero of ESPN Twin Cities. Smith was fined for an illegal hit on San Diego Chargers wide receiver Mike Willie, in which he "unnecessarily struck a defenseless player in the head and neck area with his shoulder."

On the play, Smith was given an unnecessary roughness penalty, which allowed the Chargers to extend their drive and pull out the win. Luckily, it was only a preseason game, so the actual win/loss was essentially pointless. Still, Smith doesn't believe what he did on the play could have been done any differently:

"In the future -- there's not a whole lot I really can change with that hit -- but I'll try to aim low. I don't know if that's safer or not for the offensive guy, but it is what it is."

Smith also said that "stuff happens in football," and that he wasn't trying to hit him in the end. It's generally all on the defensive player if something goes wrong with a tackle. Smith's fine is for $21,000, not a small chunk of change for a rookie in the NFL, even if he is a first-round pick.

For all news and information regarding the Minnesota Vikings, please visit the Daily Norseman or check out SB Nation Minnesota.

Harrison Smith Fined For Tackle Against San Diego Chargers

The big hit Vikings safety Harrison Smith landed on Chargers receiver Mike Willie is going to end up hitting Smith in the wallet. According to ESPN 1500, an NFL spokesman announced on Friday that the rookie safety has been fined $21,000 for the hit and said he "unnecessarily struck a defenseless player in the head and neck area with his shoulder."

The hit, which left Smith's shoulder sore, although he was back in practice the next day, drew a reaction from the Vikings bench, including defensive end Jared Allen:

"I wished I didn't get the penalty," Smith told the media after the game. "Maybe I could have played it differently. I'll watch the film." Smith, a first round pick for the Vikings in the 2012 NFL Draft, is expected to back up Jamarca Sanford at free safety.

For all news and information regarding the Minnesota Vikings, please visit the Daily Norseman or check out SB Nation Minnesota.

ANIMATED: Harrison Smith's Big Hit Could Lead To Big Fine