Browns’ Ward hit with fine


October 7, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

Associated Press

BEREA

T.J. Ward’s “cheap shot” was costly.

For delivering a nasty blow to an opponent’s head, the NFL belted the Browns’ rookie safety in the wallet.

Ward, who in just four games as a pro has developed a reputation as a ferocious tackler and fearless talker, was fined $15,000 Wednesday for his helmet-to-helmet hit on Cincinnati wide receiver Jordan Shipley during the fourth quarter of the Browns’ win on Sunday.

A split-second after Shipley failed to catch a pass from Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer in the end zone, Ward unloaded on the rookie wideout, sending him sprawling to the turf. Ward claims he led with his right shoulder, but TV replays clearly show him making contact with Shipley’s helmet.

“I just tried to make a play and unfortunately he got hurt,” Ward said before practice. “It’s part of the violent game we play. If you play that position, it kind of comes with the territory.”

The Bengals weren’t pleased and following the game, both Palmer and wide receiver Terrell Owens accused Ward of a dirty play.

“I just hate to see a guy get hit like that in the head,” Owens said. “For him to take a cheap shot like that, that’s uncalled for.”

Browns coach Eric Mangini defended Ward, saying it was an aggressive play — nothing more.

Ward insists he didn’t intentionally try to injure Shipley. As he came across the end zone, Ward said he saw the ball and Shipley and acted instinctively.

“It wasn’t malicious intent to knock him out or get him hurt,” Ward said. “It’s part of the game. I reacted to what I saw and tried to make a play. I didn’t really try to hit him with everything I had, but still it was a pretty violent hit. I wasn’t trying to aim for his helmet in any way.

“I just hit what I saw, it all happened so fast.”

Ward was aware that Mike Pereira, former NFL vice president of officiating, said in an interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer that the league should fine the 23-year-old a minimum of $25,000 for a hit he described as “one of the worst I’ve seen in a while.”