Steelers' Mike Mitchell fined $48K for late hit on Alex Smith

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Pittsburgh Steelers safety Mike Mitchell was fined $48,620 by the NFL for a late hit on Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith in Sunday's game, according to a report by ESPN. 

Mitchell was given a 15-yard penalty for the late hit in the Steelers' 19-13 win, but told reporters afterward he was tripped before he bulldozed Smith and said he's "not a dirty player." 

After watching a replay of the hit on Tuesday, Smith said it was "as flagrant as it gets."

Mitchell, who has been fined twice before by the league for unnecessary roughness, plans to appeal the fine — according to ESPN.