John Lynch saw the next-day-mail envelope in his locker and knew the news wasn’t good.
The Denver Broncos safety had the distinction of being the first player to draw a fine from the NFL this season, when the league sent him a letter Wednesday demanding $7,500 for a hard hit on Chiefs receiver Dante Hall in the opener.
“I’m going to let the appeal process begin today,” said Lynch, who has a reputation for being one of the hardest hitters at the hardest-hitting position in football.
“If you make the highlights these days, you’re going to get fined. That’s pretty much what it comes down to. It’s kind of hypocritical. They put it on their `Greatest Hits,’ but they’ll fine you for it too.”
Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil said it wasn’t a cheap shot.
“They don’t want people taking shots like that,” Vermeil said. “But I don’t think it was intentional. It was just a spontaneous, quick football play.”
Stoutmire out for season
Giants free safety Omar Stoutmire will miss the rest of the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Even though he’s not a starter, his injury will force a number of moves for Sunday’s home opener against the Redskins.
“Losing him is a big blow to special teams, without a doubt, and the secondary,” coach Tom Coughlin said.
Feeley eager for 1st start
A.J. Feeley will make his first start for the Dolphins Sunday night at Cincinnati.
“It’s an exciting time,” Feeley said. “It’s everything you ask for as a player — an opportunity to play. Hopefully I’ll take it and run with it.”
Coach Dave Wannstedt didn’t say whether he expects the change to be permanent.
Extra points
Three-time All-Pro left tackle Orlando Pace fired his agent three days before signing a one-year, $7.02 million contract with the Rams this month. The NFL Players Association confirmed that Pace filed termination papers against agent Carl Poston on Sept. 2, then signed the Rams’ tender offer as the team’s franchise player. . . . Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson insists there’s more to be concerned with than a long-term contract. “That part of it is done with. I’m just here to play football and help the team win,” he said. He signed a one-year tender for $8.782 million Aug. 31 after missing 33 days of training camp. . . . Rams linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa will start Sunday against the Falcons, a week after dislocating his right shoulder. . . . Ben Roethlisberger injured his right knee during a passing drill at the Steelers’ practice field. He limped to the sideline and onto a cart and was taken in for X-rays. The team said he had a bone contusion.
