Source: Fine given to Lions' Kerry Hyder more than his likely pay

ByMike Rothstein ESPN logo
Friday, August 26, 2016

Detroit Lions defensive lineman Kerry Hyder might have lost all of the money he has made during training camp due to one hit in a preseason game.

Hyder was fined $18,231 for roughing Cincinnati Bengals quarterback A.J. McCarron in the third quarter of the Bengals' 30-14 win over the Lions on Aug. 18, according to a source close to the situation.

That will likely end up being more than Hyder will make during training camp.

Since Hyder has yet to earn an accredited season in the NFL based on terms in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Hyder is making $1,000 a week during the Lions training camp.

Based on that, his fine is around three times as much as what he'll make for the six or so weeks he has spent trying to make Detroit's roster.

Hyder can appeal or ask for a reduced fine based on the salary he is expected to make this season and he is a longshot to make the Lions roster.

In the NFLPA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, there is a provision for this to happen.

"On appeal, a player may assert, among other defenses, that any fine should be reduced because it is excessive when compared to the player's expected earnings for the season in question," the CBA says. "However, a fine may be reduced on this basis only if it exceeds 25 percent of one week of a player's salary for a first offense, and 50 percent of one week of a player's salary for a second offense.

The rule also says: "A player may also argue on appeal that the circumstances do not warrant his receiving a fine above the amount stated in the schedule of fines."

A message left for his agent, Rich Rosa, to see if Hyder plans to appeal was not immediately returned.

Hyder was on the New York Jets practice squad in the 2014 season and was with the Lions on their practice squad during 2015 before being signed for the final game of the 2016 season with Detroit, where he failed to record a tackle.

The 25-year-old Hyder is competing for a depth defensive tackle spot with Stefan Charles, Caraun Reid, Khyri Thornton, Gabe Wright and Louis Palmer.