NEW YORK, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Dallas Cowboys safety Darren Woodson has been fined $75,000 by the NFL for a devastating hit on Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Darrell Jackson.
In the fourth quarter of Seattle's 17-14 win last Sunday, Woodson delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit to Jackson, who suffered a concussion on the field and later had a seizure in the locker room.
Woodson was called for unnecessary roughness on the play, and the subsequent 15-yard penalty helped the drive that resulted in placekicker Rian Lindell booting a game-winning 20-yard field goal with 25 seconds remaining.
NFL Director of Football Operations Gene Washington issued the fine and noted that another helmet-to-helmet hit by Woodson likely would result in a suspension and/or additional discipline.
Woodson said he will appeal the fine.
"I don't know how to tackle with these rules anymore, especially in the middle of the field," Woodson said. "I have been taught since I was in third grade, lead with your eyes, go across the body. You can't change the way people play. You can't. I know one thing. I think the league is terrible in the way they handle things. First of all, there is no arbitrator. It's the league's word against yours. This is America. Does that sound like the way things should be done?"
"The simple fact of the matter is Darrell almost died. That's the deal," said Seattle Coach Mike Holmgren. "Now, is anything worth that? Let's look at the consequences of this thing, or the potential consequences of this thing, and let's take a step back and understand. Football's a tough game, it's a game for men, macho. Being tough is part of this business. But no one, no one, wants to see anyone lose their life out there. No one."
The league denied the severity of Jackson's injury weighed into their decision.
Dallas (3-5) visits the Detroit Lions this Sunday.
On Tuesday, the NFL rejected the appeal of San Diego Chargers strong safety Rodney Harrison, who will serve a one-game suspension for a second illegal hit this season.
