Center Will Montgomery plans to appeal the $10,000 fine the NFL imposed on him for kicking New York Giants defensive lineman Linval Joseph during last Monday’s 17-16 victory.
After Redskins running back Alfred Morris fumbled inside the red zone in the third quarter, Montgomery dove into the pile. Joseph grabbed Montgomery’s left leg and dragged him off the pile. Montgomery tried to free himself from Joseph by kicking him with his right leg.
“I think I have to protect myself,” Montgomery said. “If the guy is dragging me across the ground and potentially twisting my ankle or whatever else, I’m not going to let the guy drag me across the ground. And I can’t push him, obviously, because I’m on the ground, so I used my leg to get him off me.”
Montgomery was not penalized on the play. Joseph and Redskins guard Kory Lichtensteiger were penalized for unnecessary roughness. Joseph was fined $7,875, according to the league. Lichtensteiger was not fined.
“I’m not really worried about it,” Montgomery said. “As far as I’m concerned it’s over with, besides the appeal. I’m not going to worry about something I can’t affect.”
The fine was Montgomery’s second of the season. The league penalized him $7,875 for a clipping penalty against Tampa Bay in Week 4.
(updated at 4:03 p.m. with amount of Joseph’s fine)
