Falcons’ S Chris Hope Docked $30K For Hit on Cruz

From Jenny Vrentas of the Star Ledger:

Falcons safety Chris Hope was fined $30,000 by the NFL after leveling Giants receiver Victor Cruz during the third quarter of Sunday’s game. Hope received a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on the play, and the league fined him for striking an opponent in the head and neck area.

Hate to tell you so, but we called it at the time, and were a tad bit conservative on the fine….

Wow what a cheap shot by Hope on Victor Cruz….went in high all the way. Get out your checkbook, Hope that’ll cost about $15k #nyg #giants

— SNYGiants (@SNYGiants) December 16, 2012

Ralph also nailed it….

That was as dirty and illegal a play as you’re going to see in the NFL. Hope launched, speared and hit him late, all in one.

— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoNYDN) December 16, 2012

In addition, CB Corey Webster and Atlanta were both fined $7,875 for a fight which drew unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on both players