Wilfork hit with another NFL fine

NEW YORK, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- New England defensive tackle Vince Wilfork has been fined $5,000 for unnecessary roughness for a face mask penalty in last week's AFC title game.

The 6-foot-2 inch, 325-pounder was flagged in the first quarter of the Patriots' 21-12 victory against San Diego for latching onto the face mask of Chargers running back Michael Turner.

It was the fourth time this season the four-year veteran out of Miami-Florida was fined by the NFL for his excessively physical play.

"It's bad because you go out there and you get a penalty and wonder why," he said. "It's ridiculous."

He also was fined $12,500 for a low hit on Buffalo quarterback J.P. Losman on Sept. 23, a hit which left Losman with a sprained knee ligament, causing him to miss two games.

Other fines were for $5,000 for a late hit on Dallas tight end Jason Witten on Oct. 14 and $15,000 for grabbing the face mask of running back New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs.