Mike Chappell

mike.chappell@indystar.com

Stop me if you've heard this before: a defender has been hit in the wallet by the NFL for an illegal hit against Colts quarterback Andrew Luck.

The latest culprit is New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Akiem Hicks who has been fined $16,537 for roughing Luck in last Saturday's preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium, according to a league spokesman.

Hicks wrapped up Luck in a bear hug, then body-slammed him midway through the first quarter. He was penalized 15 yards on the play, then further disciplined by the NFL.

If it seems we've been down this road before, it's because we have.

Last season, three players were fined a combined $31,535 for what the NFL deemed inappropriate hits against Luck.

But that paled in comparison to the financial repercussions from Luck's rookie season in 2012. Nine players piled up fines totaling $129,000. That included Jacksonville defensive end Terrance Knighton being fined $25,000 for helmet-to-helmet contact with Luck and New England cornerback Kyle Arrington being assessed a $21,000 fine for unnecessary roughness.