Chargers lineman fined for late hit vs. Bears

By Brad Biggs Paychecks for NFL players don't start rolling in until Week 1 of the regular season. So that means San Diego Chargers defensive lineman Travis Johnson paid to play in the preseason opener last Saturday against the Bears. That is because the NFL has fined Johnson $5,000 for a late hit on running back Chester Taylor in the second quarter of the game. Johnson dove on top of Taylor from behind after he had been tackled by Chargers linebacker Darry Beckwith and strong safety Steve Gregory. Officials tacked 15 yards on to the end of the seven-yard run. A league official said Johnson was fined for striking his opponent late. Johnson has the right to appeal the fine.