Seattle Seahawks DE Michael Bennet fined $17K for QB hit

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett was fined by the NFL for $17,363 (AU $24,230) after his hit on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith in a recent preseason game between the two teams.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media Insider first reported Bennett’s fine and also added that Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs will not be fined even as he hit Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford in their recent preseason match-up.

Before the official punishment from the league, Bennett also had a long rant after the incident where he was called for a roughing the passer flag.

"Then quarterbacks get protected more than any other player. I mean, he gets hit in his knees and he's about to cry, making a whimpering sound: 'They hit me in my legs.'” Bennett said via NFL.com. “Everybody gets hit in their legs. Every play somebody tries to hit me in my legs. So what makes him different? What makes his life better than mine? I've got kids. I've got stuff I like to do on the weekend.”

Bennett’s rant apparently did not help his cause as he was still fined for his actions, where he was seen aiming for Smith’s head and neck area.

"But because he gets hit in his legs, he gets a flag. He gets up with a sad face like the world just ended because he got hit. I mean, you got hit in an NFL game. Who cares? Get back up and be like, 'Good job’,” Bennett added.

The 29-year-old Bennett was a key defensive player in the Seahawks’ run to the to the Super Bowl XLVIII title in 2014.

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