:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19765125/20130915_jla_af9_020.0.jpg)
The fines just keep rolling in for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This time, safety Ahmad Black has been fined $21,000 for a hit to the head of Jimmy Graham, per Pewter Report. This fine is by far the clearest example of an illegal hit.
Not only did Black hit Graham helmet to helmet as Graham had just made the catch (which had already been knocked out by Lavonte David), Black did so after lining up, and consciously launched himself into Graham's helmet. He had ample time to go lower, but he decided that making a big hit was more important than hurting his bank account and team.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have now racked up a whopping $208,875 in fines the past two weeks, on pretty clear illegal hits. Adrian Clayborn has not yet been fined for his hit on Drew Brees, which may join that group of fines although the hit appeared to be legal. Lavonte David and Black can appeal their fines, and David has a decent chance of winning his appeal - but Black has no chance of winning his.