Jasper Brinkley fined $21K for helmet-to-helmet hit on Calvin Johnson
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The NFL announced Friday Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jasper Brinkley was fined $21,000 for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Calvin Johnson early in the fourth quarter of Sunday's win over the Detroit Lions.
Earlier in that same drive, safety Mistral Raymond was flagged for a late hit on Detroit running back Mikel Leshoure -- contact that earned Raymond a $7,875 fine from the league.
The Lions used those penalties to their advantage, eventually scoring a touchdown to cut the Vikings' lead to 24-17, but Minnesota would later put the game out of reach.
Detroit wide receiver Ryan Broyles was fined $10,000 for an illegal crackback hit on Antoine Winfield in the first quarter.
Brinkley's hit isn't the first $21,000 fine issued to a Vikings defender this season. Safety Harrison Smith was fined $21,000 in the preseason for a helmet-to-helmet hit on San Diego Chargers receiver Mike Willie.
