Panthers S Eric Reid fined for late hit on Patriots TE Ben Watson

#Panthers S Eric Reid was fined $10,527 for his late hit that injured #Patriots TE Ben Watson in a recent preseason game. Reid was flagged for unnecessary roughness.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 1, 2019

According to Tom Pelissero at NFL Network, Panthers safety Eric Reid has been fined $10,527 by the NFL for his late hit on Patriots tight end Ben Watson in the third preseason game.

Reid’s aggressive and physical style of play has been over-policed by officials since he signed last season. However, this is one fine that was well earned. Reid said he understood he’d probably be fined and has texted Watson to apologize for the hit.

Update:

Watson has confirmed that Reid reached out to apologize and there’s no beef. He also called out the league for its inconsistency on fines.

Eric did message me that night to apologize saying that he had watched the film and felt terrible for hitting me late. I accepted his apology and wished him the best. We’ve never had any “beef”.

Fines, however, have once again proven to be inconsistent and relative. Shameful https://t.co/19XQleMvND

— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) September 1, 2019