Ray Lewis says he'll pay half of any fine 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks receives

Whenever the NFL decides to fine 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks — recent history indicates it will — his wallet won't take as big of a hit as it could.

Former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, now an analyst for ESPN, gave an impassioned plea Monday night on behalf of Brooks. He then stated that if the NFL fines the linebacker, he'll pay half of the fine.

"Defenders have to be respected as men before anything else," Lewis said.

I'm sure Brooks will appreciate the gesture if it comes down to that.

Brooks was flagged for hitting Drew Brees in the neck area, which drew a personal foul penalty. It doesn't appear Brooks' hit was late nor was he intending to hit Brees in the head. First contact appears to be made at his shoulder, though his upper arm then clotheslines Brees to the ground.

It was one of those gray-area plays that will always go the quarterback's way.

Watch Lewis stick up for Brooks here:

(h/t BatlimoreSportsReport.com)