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.
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