For the second time this season, New England Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork has been sanctioned for a late or illegal hit, with the NFL levying a $5,000 fine against the fourth-year veteran for a play in last Sunday's victory at Dallas. The fine, first reported by The Boston Globe, was confirmed by league officials. The play in question occurred early in the second quarter, on a 3-yard run by Cowboys' tailback Marion Barber off left guard. During a skirmish at the end of the run, New England defensive end Ty Warren was penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct, moving the ball to the Patriots' 39-yard line. On the play, Wilfork was engaged with Dallas tight end Jason Witten but was not penalized. In reviewing the play, however, the league's officiating department apparently determined that Wilfork was excessively aggressive and exercised unnecessary roughness.