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

Steelers safety Mike Mitchell has been fined $48,620 for his late hit on quarterback Alex Smith during Pittsburgh's Week 6 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Mitchell delivered a shot to the back of Smith's leg well after he'd released the football and received a 15-yard penalty for roughing the passer

Smith said the hit was "about as flagrant as it gets," while Mitchell denied intentionally aiming for the pivot's leg.

Mitchell - who's twice been fined for hits in the past - will appeal the punishment, Schefter added.

"The video shows what it shows. I wasn't trying to take Alex Smith's knees out," Mitchell said. "I went up to him and told him that. ... It's just one of those things you don't want to see in the football game."