Fitzgerald Cecilio

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed has escaped suspension for his illegal hit on New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, receiving just a $55,000 fine for striking a "defenseless player in the head and neck area".

The suspension was, to some, another slap on the wrist on Reed, who was suspended for one game last month but the punishment was reduced to a $50,000 fine after an appeal.

The total fines from his two infractions will not create a dent on his paycheck as they accounted for just one quarter of his weekly paycheck amounting to $423,529.

"All I like to do is play the game. I thought it was a decent hit. He [Cruz] got up from it," Reed said before the fine was announced.

Reed was flagged for the fourth-quarter hit on Cruz during the Ravens' 33-14 win last Sunday.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh also came to the defense of his Pro Bowl safety, saying the league should revisit rules on hits.

"It's tough, full-speed, the whole thing," Harbaugh said. "I hope the league really takes a look at this in the offseason and figures out a way to help the players out a little bit. It's been a real challenge so far this year."

With his fourth illegal hit over the past three seasons, Reed is expected to be more careful in the Ravens' next game so as to avoid suspension that could sideline him in the playoffs.

In the meantime, the Ravens (10-5) will have Reed when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals in their season finale.

 

Ravens Safety Ed Reed Escapes Suspension, But Draws $55K Fine - NFL 2012