Cowboys' Tyron Smith fined $15K for horse-collar

New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley (59) runs back an interception as Dallas Cowboys guard Nate Livings (71) gives chase during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

/ AP

New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley (59) runs back an interception as Dallas Cowboys guard Nate Livings (71) gives chase during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

New York Giants linebacker Michael Boley (59) runs back an interception as Dallas Cowboys guard Nate Livings (71) gives chase during the first half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) (/ AP)

The Associated Press

Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith has been fined $15,000 by the NFL for his horse-collar tackle that prevented a touchdown on an interception return in the season-opening win over the Giants.

When asked Wednesday if it was money well spent, Smith said it was, because the play helped his team. He said he wasn't asking for any help from his teammates to pay the fine.

Early in the second quarter of the Sept. 5 opener, linebacker Michael Boley intercepted a pass near midfield. He wasn't tackled until Smith made a "last effort" and grabbed him at the 2.

The ball was marked at the 1, and the Giants failed to on three plays to get in the end zone before kicking a field goal for a 3-0 lead. Dallas won 24-17.