PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Bengal Fined $12,500 for Aikman Hit

James Francis of the Cincinnati Bengals has been fined $12,500 for his late hit on Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman on Sunday.

League officials also confirmed that Donald Evans of the New York Jets had been fined $10,000 for an altercation with referee Bernie Kukar.

Francis drew a 15-yard penalty that eventually led to a Dallas touchdown in the Cowboys’ 23-20 victory over the Bengals for hitting Aikman between the shoulder pads and the jaw after the quarterback released the ball.

Evans was fined for putting his hands on Kukar after protesting an offside call against him.

“He verbally abused and shoved Kukar and charged and further abused him verbally,” league spokesman Greg Aiello said.

Because it involved an official, the fine against Evans was levied by Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. Gene Washington, director of football development for the league, imposed the fine on Francis.

“I have 20 days to decide if I want to appeal the fine or not,” Evans said. “I haven’t really sat down and watched film of it and, right now, all I care about is getting ready for the Buffalo Bills.”

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New England Patriot Coach Bill Parcells checked himself into a Boston hospital after complaining of lightheadedness.

Doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital planned to keep Parcells, 53, overnight for tests, spokeswoman Michelle Marcella said.

Marcella said Parcells walked into the emergency room with a family member about 7 p.m. and was in good condition.

Parcells’ health contributed to his decision to retire as coach of the New York Giants in 1991. He has had three major operations since, including quadruple bypass surgery in February 1992.

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Cowboy running back Emmitt Smith escaped injury in a two-car collision Thursday morning in Irving, Tex. Smith’s car and another vehicle collided at an intersection as the player was driving to Valley Ranch, where the Cowboys practice.

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Free-agent defensive end Keith McCants, placed on waivers Tuesday by the Houston Oilers, was signed by the Arizona Cardinals.