Bears safety Chris Conte was fined $21,000 for contact to the head of a defenseless receiver during Sunday's 23-22 win over the Panthers.

Although the replay showed Conte's action was by no means intentional, the official flagged him for a personal foul for striking Panthers receiver Brandon LaFell.

Conte said he's in the process of appealing the fine. After the game, he expressed his displeasure with the call.

"It wasn't a penalty, but I guess they called it a penalty,'' Conte said. I didn't do anything. He's diving into me. I don't know what you want me to do.''

The Panthers scored on the drive when kicker Justin Medlock nailed a 22-yard field goal.

vxmcclure@tribune.com

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