Harrison Contemplates Retirement

Starting Pittsburgh Steelres linebacker and former NFL defensive player of the year James Harrison was excused from practice on Wendseday by head coach Mike Tomlin.  The Steelers are coming off an impressive 28-10 victory over my Cleveland Browns.  The return of Ben Roethlisberger and his three touchdowns were overshadowed by the monster hits delivered by Harrison knocking out both Joshua Cribbs and Mohammed Massaquoi with concussions.

Where the story gets really interesting is Harrison has voiced his displeasure to fines that were delivered by the league office on Tuesday totaling $75,000 even though neither of the hits were penalized.  He was also not suspended, but the league has been saying they are going to enforce stiffer penalties for players that lead with the helmet even for first time offenders it may lead to larger fines and even suspension.

But, Harrison is not a first time offender for what can be considered as dirty hits.  Just in September he was fined $5,000 for a hit on Titans quarterback Vince Young.  Harrison even said after the Browns game that he tries to hurt players, but not injure them because it helps the Steelers.  He did several radio interviews  including one on Sirius radio today where he commented on the leagues stance of firmer punishment for illeagal hits saying, “I can’t play by those rules…you’re handicapping me.”

What I think Harrison fails to realize is that other players livelihoods are at stake when he strikes a player that way.  The NFL has already had twice the number of  head injuries reported in games this year through six games as it did last year at this time.  There have been many rules put in place over the last couple offseasons to ensure player safety in attempt to protect players from this type of growing trend.  Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather and Falcons corner Dunta Robinson were also both fined $50,00 a piece for similiar hits occurring on Sunday.  Meriweather struck Ravens tight end Todd Heap with his helmet after an incomplete pass and Robinson almost collided simualtaneously with Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson knocking down both players.

The hit on Cribbs was a helmet to helmet hit where even though he was running, he had lined up at wildcat quarterback and looked to be on his way to the ground when Harrison collided with his helmet from the side.  Massaquoi was a defenseless receiver when Harrison made almost the exact same hit (this one at least inckuded an attempt to raise the forearm) a few minutes later renderin him unable t finnish the game.  The Steelers should have been penalized 15 yards and he ejected from the game after the Cribbs hit preventing the latter from occuring.

Now that Harrison is talking about retiring, many of his Steelers teammates have come to his defense including offensive guard Chris Kemoeatu and fellow linebacker LaMarr Woodley.  Kemoeatu actually said, “we look up to him.”  Coach Tomlin and the rest of the team expect him to be back to practice on Wendseday.  Harrison wants to play the game the way he always has, but what if Cribbs or Massaquoi wasn’t able to play any more period.  Harrison needs to think about that and make more of an effort to ensure the health of the real victims in these situations instead of feeling sorry for himslef.

The Steelers are 4-1 and got to 3-2 Miami coming off an overtime win against the injury riddled Packers.  Harrison will play if he doesn’t choose to sit out. The Browns may face the defending Super Bowl Champs without their two starting receivers.  DeSean Jackson also won’t suit up for Eagles who play Tennessee.