Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie fined for hit on Byron Leftwich

Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was fined $21,000 for his hit on Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was fined $21,000 for unnecessary roughness, the NFL announced Friday, reports Profootballtalk.com.

The league said Rodgers-Cromartie struck Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich in the head and neck area as the league considered Leftwich a defenseless player.

The fine amount of $21,000 represents a 5 percent increase over the $20,000 fine that a similar hit would have drawn last season. Article 46 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement states, “The designated minimum fines will increase by 5% for the 2012 League Year, and each League Year thereafter during the term of this Agreement.