Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during the first quarter of their game against the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California.Getty Images
Colin Kaepernick said Wednesday he has been fined more than $11,000 (U.S.) by the NFL and he will appeal the penalty for what an official called "inappropriate language" by the 49ers quarterback following a fourth-quarter interception in Sunday's 28-20 loss to the Bears.
Kaepernick reiterated that he did nothing wrong when he and Chicago defensive end Lamarr Houston went at it – and Kaepernick points to Houston's comments that the quarterback didn't say anything offensive or out of line. Kaepernick shoved Houston.
"It will be appealed," Kaepernick said. "I didn't say anything. Lamarr Houston said I didn't say anything. We're going to leave it at that."
Side judge Laird Hayes threw the flag for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Houston told the Chicago Tribune after the game that he hadn't heard anything from Kaepernick and that he had said something to the quarterback after the first of two late interceptions by rookie Kyle Fuller that helped rally the Bears.
"I said, 'Nice pass,'" Houston said.
Because of Houston's comments, Kaepernick believes he has a case for an appeal.
"The player that I supposedly said something to has been quoted saying that I didn't say anything, and I don't know him, so it's not like he would have a reason to just randomly stick up for me," Kaepernick said.
In the letter from the league informing him of the fine, Kaepernick said there was no explanation as to what Hayes claims the quarterback said.
Coach Jim Harbaugh sought his own explanation and has heard from the NFL that there won't be a change to the call.
"Colin says he didn't say anything, this person says what they say and somebody else heard something else," Harbaugh said. "I don't have a stance. You can only imagine. I don't have a stance because I don't know, I didn't hear it. Colin's always been truthful 100 per cent of the time."