Pats' Wilfork fined for 3rd time this year

BOSTON, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- The NFL has fined New England tackle Vince Wilfork for the third time this season, ordering him to pay $15,000 for poking a finger into an opponent's face mask.

Wilfork got a finger into the mask of the Giants' Brandon Jacobs in a game Sunday. No penalty was called on the field, but after league officials viewed the game on film they decided to fine Wilfork for unsportsmanlike conduct, ESPN.com reported.

A league spokesman said Wilfork "poked his finger in the opponent's face mask near the eye," the Boston Herald reported.

Wilfork, a Pro Bowl nose tackle, said the act was accidental.

Earlier this season, Wilfork drew a $5,000 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct in a game against Dallas, and was assessed a $12,500 fine for a low hit on Buffalo quarterback J.P. Losman, who suffered a sprained knee on the play.