Philadelphia Eagles CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has been fined $21,000 by the NFL for his hit on Pittsburgh Steelers QB Byron Leftwich. The hit occured last Thursday during the preseason opener at Lincoln Financial Field.

In the release, the league stated that DRC "unnecessarily struck the a defenseless player in the head and neck area."

The $21,000 is the minimum amount a player can be fined for that offense this season. With new CBA rules, the amount increases by 5%.

Cromartie told Birds 24/7 and other reporters that "he ain't even got that much" and "won't hit em no more" walking off the field after a Friday practice.

Cromartie does appear to leave his feet and launch himself towards the head and neck area of Byron Leftwich.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has embarked on a mission to improve player safety in the NFL.  Earlier this month at a youth football camp in Ohio, Goodell was preaching his message to players at the youngest of levels.

"Don't use your head or helmet as a weapon, they're there to protect you," Goodell said.

I've posted the video below and you can judge for yourself:

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