ENGLEWOOD | Peyton Manning has been docked a reported $8,268 for taunting Houston Texans safety D.J. Swearinger in a preseason game last week.
The Denver Broncos quarterback laid into the safety for hitting Wes Welker in the head, which left the slot receiver with his third concussion in 10 months.
The penalty was reported by ESPN. Manning told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen: “I accept it. Money well spent.”
Swearinger’s hit on Welker drew a 15-yard personal foul — but so far no word of a fine.
Manning was irked by the hit on Welker and after throwing a 29-yard TD pass to Emmanuel Sanders on the next snap, he ran up to Swearinger and let him know it.
That resulted in the first personal foul of Manning’s NFL career along with kudos from his teammates.
Manning explained afterward that he acted out of concern for Welker’s well-being. Besides, he said, what’s 15 yards with 5 seconds left in the half?
“I think if you’re going to get one, that’s a good time to get one,” Manning said after the game.
Swearinger said Manning swore at him but wouldn’t go into details: “He didn’t invite me to dinner,” Swearinger said.
He insisted, however, that his hit on Welker wasn’t dirty, explaining the receiver slid at the last moment.
“I led with my shoulder. That’s the only thing I could do. He’s a short guy,” Swearinger said.
Swearinger had been at the center of several skirmishes during three days of joint practices with the Broncos one week after angering the Atlanta Falcons with his combative style during a joint workout in Georgia.
Welker is going through the NFL’s concussion protocol. He flew with the Broncos to Dallas to watch the final preseason game Thursday night along with most of the other starters.
___
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
Swearinger may be working to stay on team, but needs to be aware of other players. Hitting someone when sliding, is not needed, since just touching them in slide is sufficient. Official will decide where slide ends, and ball is placed. Knowing football is a tough game for tough guys, there is still too much of using helmet and forearms to hit above neckline, even in sliding, or action by either player. Official saw it as foul, and head shot types should see that player set out couple plays. I do have to say that Manning was right, and made Titans pay for it, with 2 quick touchdowns to that position. There was a time, when Swearinger would have been focal point of two very big linemen who would plant him in the turf. And I suspect coach of Titans had a few words for him too, as will his team mates. Welker is well known as receiver, but also for 2 concussions last year. Head shots should be last thing opponent should make in practice game, even next season. Just as the safety for Seattle Seahawks last year against San Francisco. Definitely not sporting thing to taunt or brag about.