NFL fines Brian Urlacher for horse-collar tackle
BY SEAN JENSEN Twitter: @SeanKJensen December 6, 2012 9:40AM
The Bears Brian Urlacher meets the Seahawks Marshawn Lynch in the backfield in the first quarter at Soldier Field December 2, 2012. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media
Updated: December 6, 2012 11:07AM
The 23-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks Sunday was a costly one for Brian Urlacher.
Not only did the Bears middle linebacker strain his right hamstring, Urlacher was also fined $21,000 for a horse collar tackle on Seahawks running back Leon Washington late in the second quarter, according to a league source.
That’s his second violation in as many weeks.
On the play, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson completed a screen pass to Washington on 2nd and 8 from Seattle’s 39-yard line. Urlacher appeared to grab Washington in the back and pulled him down, with the running back landing on top of him.
Urlacher was fined $15,750 the week before for a horse collar tackle against Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. It’s believed he won his appeal and had that one reduced.
According to the 2012 fine schedule, a second horse collar tackle offense costs $31,500. But Urlacher was fined $21,000 instead. He’ll likely appeal that one, as well.
