National Football League

Report: Ahmad Brooks won't accept money from Ray Lewis, Tedy Bruschi to pay for fine

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:17 p.m. ET

foxsports

Future Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis was so infuriated by the controversial penalty on 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks on Sunday, that he even offered to pay half of any potential fine. Former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi offered to help as well.

But Brooks doesn’t seem to want their help.

Brooks was fined $15,750 on Wednesday for his hit on Saints quarterback Drew Brees late in Sunday’s loss. Brooks was flagged for the hit and the Niners were penalized 15 yards on what would have otherwise been a fourth-down sack and turnover on downs.

While the help might be a nice relief for some younger, lesser-paid players, Brooks, who signed a five-year, $37 million deal before last season, doesn’t need any handouts from the former stars. So, he’s decided not to accept it, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.

Brooks informed both Lewis and Bruschi on Wednesday that he wouldn’t take their money to pay off the fine. He is also planning to appeal the fine, which will likely be heard sometime early next week.

Brooks, 29, has started all 10 games for the 49ers this season, posting 42 tackles, 6 1/2 sacks, one forced fumble and an interception.