Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow has been fined $5,000 by the NFL for a late hit in the team's 27-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 7.
Ironically, the fine is the result of the play that provoked Steelers linebacker Joey Porter into characterizing Winslow with a slur typically associated with a gay man. Porter this week was fined $10,000 by the league for comments which the NFL termed "vulgar and inexcusable."
The play in question occurred with 6:40 remaining in the Thursday night game at Heinz Field. On a first-and-10 from the Cleveland 48-yard line, quarterback Derek Anderson completed an 8-yard pass to tailback Reuben Droughns. After the whistle, Winslow hit Pittsburgh inside linebacker James Farrior and drew a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty.
The Cleveland possession culminated in a 45-yard touchdown pass to Braylon Edwards.
Several Steelers players were incensed by Winslow's actions, none more so than the outspoken Porter, who charged the Browns' tight end with being "soft." Porter subsequently made the controversial comments that resulted in the $10,000 fine.
It is not known if Winslow will appeal the $5,000 fine.
Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. To check out Len's chat archive, click here
.