Titans fined for Merriman hit

Tennessee duo Kevin Mawae and David Stewart have been fined for their hit on San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman.

Titans duo fined for late hit on Charger Merriman.

Tennessee Titans centre Kevin Mawae and tackle David Stewart have been fined by the NFL for their hit on San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, The Tennessean reported on its website. Merriman suffered sprained knee ligaments as a result of the block downfield by Mawae and Stewart in the second quarter of the game the Chargers eventually won 23-17 in overtime. Pro Bowl linebacker Merriman will now be forced to miss the next game for the Chargers against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The NFL handed out a fine of $5,000 for Mawae for hitting Merriman late on the play, while Stewart was hit with a fine of $12,500 for the hit and for shoving an opponent late on different play. Merriman had claimed that he was told the hit was ordered by Titans coach Jeff Fisher, although the coach has strongly denied those claims. No flags were thrown on the play, which Merriman also says was in retaliation for a big hit on Tennessee quarterback Vince Young earlier on in the game. Mawae has said that he is "sorry" Merriman was injured, but that "guys can get hurt playing this game." In a separate incident, Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips has also been hit with an NFL fine, as he has to stump up $7,500 a horse collar tackle on Titans running back Chris Brown.