NFL fines Quinn for chop block on Suggs

BEREA (AP) — Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn has been fined by the NFL for his low hit on Baltimore’s Terrell Suggs.

After throwing an interception in Monday night’s 16-0 loss to the Ravens, Quinn dived at Suggs’ knees while trying to bring down cornerback Chris Carr, who had picked him off. Suggs had to leave the game and could miss significant playing time.

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis accused Quinn of a cheap shot.

Quinn understands why the Ravens were mad and can appreciate them questioning his intentions.

“I can see why they’d be upset,” he said. “But again, he wasn’t even in my vision. I was trying to get to the ball. He cut across my face as I was already try to jump down for the tackle.”

Quinn dropped his head and threw his body into Suggs’ right knee, thinking he would be able to bring down Carr. He was flagged for a low block and the Browns were penalized 15 yards.

Quinn received a letter from the league on Wednesday but would not disclose the size of his fine, saying only that it was “a good amount.” Several outlets have reported he was fined $10,000.

He maintains he was not trying to hurt Suggs, with whom he has worked out in the off-season. Quinn apologized to him and the Ravens after the game and plans to reach out to Suggs again.

“I wasn’t trying to go for him,” he said. “I was trying to go for the ball carrier. Unfortunately, a thing like that can happen. I’m praying for him. Hopefully he’ll be all right.”

Browns coach Eric Mangini believes Quinn was only trying to tackle Carr.

“Knowing Brady, he’s a good person,” Mangini said. “I don’t think he would ever look to hurt someone deliberately.”

Cribbs not practicing

Receiver Josh Cribbs is satisfied that Ravens defensive end Dwan Edwards did not deliver a cheap shot on him in the closing seconds of Monday night’s game.

Cribbs, who was briefly hospitalized with a possible neck injury and concussion, said he spoke to Edwards, Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis and few other Ravens players on Tuesday.

The Browns were worried the Ravens were retaliating for Quinn’s chop block. Cribbs was being held out of practice on Wednesday. He hopes to play Sunday against Detroit.

How about LeBron?

If LeBron James truly believes he can help the Browns, Mangini has an orange helmet waiting for him.

“I think he should come on down,” Mangini said, smiling. “I know he’s pretty busy right now, but if he wants to give it a shot, the guy is gifted. He’s competitive and tough. I’m sure whatever he applied himself to, he’d probably be good in baseball or soccer or swimming.”

The NBA superstar, who was an All-State wide receiver in high school, said Tuesday night that if he put the time and commitment into it, he could be a good football player.