SAN FRANCISCO - Donte Whitner, who is a safety with the 49ers has just paid $27.85 to legally change his last name.
Whitner who is noted for his hard-hitting girdiron play told Sporting Chance Magazine that he decided to change his name after the NFL levied a $21,000 fine on him.
Donte reportedly hit St.Louis Rams wide receiver Chris Givens so hard that his helmet, his cleats, and his mouthguard all flew onto the playing field.
A referee even stated that Given's athletic cup got dislodged and ended up above his belly button.
Whitner said that he has decided to drop the W from his surname and henceforth he will be known as Donte Hitner.
His mama was none to happy and she reportedly threatened him with a rolling pin, a pie pan, and a can of imported pepper spray.
