Nine Vikings fined for Bears altercation

NEW YORK, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- The National Football League handed down fines to 15 players involved in a scuffle between the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears on Sept. 26.

The harshest penalty went to Nate Burleson, who had a $7,500 fine levied against him for removing a Chicago player's helmet. A hit by Bears safety Todd Johnson on Burleson started the fracas, but Johnson was not disciplined by the league.

Minnesota receiver Randy Moss was fined $5,000. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper, center Cory Withrow, receiver Keenan Howry, guard Chris Liwienski, tackle Bryant McKinnie and tight end Sean Berton -- all from the Vikings -- were fined $2,500 each.

Vikings running back Onterrio Smith was fined $1,000.

On the Bears side: corners R.W. McQuarters and Todd McMillon, defensive tackles Tommie Harris and Ian Scott, safety Cameron Worrell and linebacker Lance Briggs were each fined $2,500.

McQuarters was also fined $5,000 for a separate unsportsmanlike conduct in the game.