Denzel Perryman has plans on how to handle his first NFL fine.

He received the letter Wednesday morning, notifying him he was docked $23,152 for leading with the crown of his helmet on a Dec. 24 tackle of Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree. He plans to sign the letter, “FIRST FINE,” and then store it in a frame as a keepsake.

But first things first.

He’ll fight it.


The rookie Chargers inside linebacker plans to appeal the charge, which stems from a big hit delivered on second-and-29 in overtime. It drew a 15-yard personal foul for illegal hit on a defenseless receiver. The Raiders later scored the decisive field goal on the same series in a 23-20 loss.

A flag. A field goal. Now, a fine.

Perryman likes no element of the hit’s ramifications.

He disagreed with the flag once it was thrown. Having since reviewed the tackle dozens of times on multiple angles, including video saved on his cellphone, he stands by the form with which he delivered the hit. He is adamant that no ill will was behind the play and assured Wednesday that the fine won’t change the way he plays the game.


“I’m not going to stop the way I tackle,” said Perryman, whose father taught him proper form at ages 6 and 7 in the family’s Miami living room. “Keep them coming.”