National Football League

Jason Babin takes shot at QBs

Published Oct. 6, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Jason Babin said Thursday the best way for the NFL to protect quarterbacks was to "get better linemen."

The pass rusher, who was slapped with a $15,000 fine for his hit on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith during the Eagles' 24-23 loss Sunday, offered the advice on his Twitter account.

"Attn:Guy at the NFL that decides on who and how much players get fined Stop being a puppet, if you want to protect QB's, get better linemen," he wrote.

Babin later admitted the tweet was intended to be a joke.

"That was just meant to be sarcastic," Babin said, according to The Phildelphia Inquirer. "But my main point was the person that decides the fines -- I'm assuming they're supposed to be unbiased and make decisions for themselves according to the rules and regulations -- not let outside influences affect their decision-making."

Babin, who was hit with a personal foul penalty after the hit on Smith, plans to appeal the fine, according to The Inquirer.

The 31-year-old defensive end signed a five-year deal with the Eagles during the offseason after a Pro Bowl year with the Tennessee Titans in 2010.