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San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks has announced that he will appeal the $15,750 fine he faces due to his hit on New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees. Shortly after the fine news came out, Ray Lewis said he would meet Brooks and give him a check for half the fine. This followed his announcement that he would pay for half, and Tedy Bruschi's comment that he would pay a third of the fine. In light of the appeal news, Brooks has declined Lewis and Bruschi's offers.
Per @tunasweasel Ahmad Brooks is appealing his fine & has informed Ray Lewis & Tedy Bruschi he will not accept their money to help pay fine
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) November 21, 2013
Brooks will go through his appeal process and likely end up paying the fine. It's disappointing that he faces such a stiff fine, particularly since Clay Matthews faced a slightly smaller fine for his hit amidst tough talk about hitting the QB. But that's life I suppose, right?
At this point, it's time to move past this ridiculousness. We know it's a ridiculous situation, but now it's time to move on and figure out how to beat Washington, and get the 49ers back on track. It will be interesting to see how Ahmad Brooks comes out this Monday and the rest of the season.
Brooks is in the middle of the best season of his career. He has 42 tackles, 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and interception and five pass deflections. He needs a half sack to match his career high, and is only eight tackles short of his career high. He is doing a little bit of everything, and he is doing it with serious force. While the other outside linebacker position has had some upheaval with Aldon Smith's season, Brooks has been a rock on this defense. He still makes his share of bone-headed penalties, but he is a playmaker for this defense. I have a hunch he will use this situation as motivation to build on an already great season.