Bernard Pollard has said that being handed a $42,000 (£26,000) fine for a hit on Andre Johnson "stinks".

The Tennessee Titans safety was given the punishment for the tackle on the Houston Texans wide receiver, who left Sunday's game with a concussion.

The 28-year-old told the Titans' official website: "It stinks. I guess [the NFL] want me to have him stay up and go score.

"I'm not going to allow them to change the way that I play football. Like I said, it stinks. The bad part about us as players, for the fans, for the coaches, for the refs, it's a lot of grey area.

"Refs don't know what to call, what not to call. It was a no call, now you come back and fine me $42,000 for what? For me to go make a play that was legal."

Pollard has confirmed that he will appeal against the fine.

Written by
Sian Cowper