You're absolutely correct. The hit was clean and officials were not reprimanded because it was not deemed to be a penalty.
I can understand if a fan doesn't like the rule, but it was an illegal hit. The rule is pretty clear: "
You can’t hit him in the head or neck, and you can’t use the crown or forehead parts of the helmet to the body.”According to Dean Blandino, the NFL's VP of Officiating, the hit was illegal (which is why the Steeler player was fined $25k) and there should have been a flag thrown on the play (negating the TD).
http://nfl.si.com/2013/12/18/terence-garvin-fined-hit-bengals-punter-kevin-huber/ You need to read your article a little more closely. The key to the fine was the finding that the punter is considered a defenseless player throughout the down, and even if he's downfield, he gets "defenseless player protection." Had that block been on a linebacker, there would be no fine.
Even if the punter is engaged in tackling a ball carrier, under the league's ruling he is defenseless.
It's interesting to note that the punter Huber did not call the block a cheap shot. I guess that contrary to the league, for which he plays, he considers himself a football player.
