Illegal chop blocks usually draw a $7,500 fine by the NFL. Frank Gore, however, was not fined for the block that drew a 12-yard penalty against the Ravens and erased a 75-yard touchdown from Alex Smith to Ted Ginn.
Asked if the lack of a fine was tantamount to an admission that the play was legal, Gore said, "We can't look back on it now. The ref made the call and it is what it is."
The 49ers ended up punting on that series, and the Ravens scored a field goal on their ensuing possession, which was aided by a 50-yard pass-interference penalty on cornerback Tarell Brown.
The only fines in the Thanksgiving night cap were uniform violations. Ginn - who had all-white stockings - Braylon Edwards, Michael Crabtree and Kyle Williams were fined $5,000 each for violating the league's dress code.
Williams said the wide receiver quartet decided on the fashion statement as a group, and the four knew they would be fined. But he admitted he was a bit surprised by the amount. "We got word (Friday) morning," Williams said. "I also got word that it might be a tax write off."
All the money collected from fines goes to retired players and to an array of NFL charities, most of them benefitting children and health and safety.
-- Matt Barrows
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