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Vaughn McClure, ESPN Staff Writer 5y

Falcons' Brian Poole fined $40K for two infractions against Saints

NFL, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints

Atlanta Falcons defensive back Brian Poole was fined a grand total of $40,106 for two separate infractions, including a hit on Drew Brees, in a Week 3 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints.

According to a league source, Poole received two separate fines of $20,054 for the hit on Brees and for a horse-collar tackle of Saints third-string quarterback Taysom Hill. Officials penalized Poole 15 yards each for roughing the passer and the horse-collar tackle.

Poole, who has a base salary of $630,000 for 2018, can appeal both fines. If a player protests a ruling, he schedules a hearing with the NFL, and his case is assigned to one of the league's current appeals officers -- Derrick Brooks or James Thrash -- who are jointly appointed and paid by the NFL/NFLPA. Cases are assigned randomly, so neither side in the appeals process knows who will hear a case. The officer assigned to the case reviews the play and hears the league's case and the player's defense. The officer's decision is final and the ruling is binding.

Poole could be subject to another fine for a hit to the head/neck area of defenseless Cincinnati running back Mark Walton in last week's loss to the Bengals. Poole received a 15-yard penalty on the play. His fellow defensive backs, Desmond Trufant and Damontae Kazee, also face fines for unnecessary roughness and face mask infractions in the same game. The league previously fined Kazee $10,026 for a hit on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in Week 2 that led to Kazee being ejected.

Poole leads the Falcons in penalty yardage given up with 40 yards on three penalties. He had a defensive holding penalty declined.

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