National Football League

NFL fines O'Hara, Cole $15K

Published Dec. 17, 2009 12:00 a.m. ET

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New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Trent Cole have been fined $15,000 by the NFL for a scuffle at the end of Sunday's game at Giants Stadium.

O'Hara, who plans to appeal, appeared to stiff-arm Cole in the facemask in the closing seconds of the Eagles' 45-38 win. Cole retaliated by throwing a couple of punches.

``I know that it was a very physical game and there was a lot going on, a lot of things that escalated up to that point,'' O'Hara said. ``One thing I'll say is I'm always going to stick up for myself and stick up for my teammates. There was certainly a lot of pushing and shoving, but I felt the pushing and shoving was going both ways until it escalated.''

Cole apologized for his actions earlier this week.

``It was a situation that got ugly and got out of hand, and now I have to pay the consequences for my actions and I'm going to move forward,'' Cole said. ``Whatever punishment the NFL deals to you, you have to take it. I don't think they're going to be unfair about it ... I'm the one that was out there tussling and fighting.''

O'Hara expected to be fined, but he said he was surprised by the amount. He also was stunned that Cole got the same amount because the defensive end grabbed his facemask, pulled him down, and punched him.

O'Hara said his appeal probably won't be heard until February. He isn't very hopeful he will win.

``My Christmas presents are going to be a little bit smaller this year,'' he quipped.

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