Bengals safety George Iloka disputes penalty and fine

Safety George Iloka will appeal his fine, the veteran told reporters on Monday.

"I thought it was a clean hit. I didn't leave my feet," Iloka said, per Bengals.com, having already initiated the appeals process. "I made contact with my shoulder to his shoulder. In football, your head will hit just because of momentum. It will make them touch. But I didn't target his neck or head area. I thought that's what the rule was. Whatever it is, it is. I've already moved on from it. If they take it, oh well, whatever. Hopefully we'll make a few playoff games and I'll make up for it that way. If they rescind it, that's a good call."

The penalty occurred with 10:39 remaining in the third quarter during Cincinnati's 16-10 win over Pittsburgh last week. Iloka tagged tight end Heath Miller after the 14-yard reception and drew a personal foul. The NFL announced on Friday that Iloka would be fined $23,152.

"It's hard for refs to make that call at game-time speed," Iloka admitted. "That's why you try not to get mad. That's why you saw in the game when they called it, I was like 'whatever.' I'll deal with it some other time. We'll look at the film and if I hit him, then fine me. If didn't hit him in his head, then don't fine me."