James Harrison Should Punch Somebody And Get His Money’s Worth

Posted on November 30, 2010 by adam

Here’s some news that is sure to shock you: James Harrison was fined $25,000 for his hit on Ryan Fitzpatrick against the Bills on Sunday. If you’re keeping track at home, that’s the same amount of money Oakland’s Richard Seymour was fined for sucker punching Ben Roethlisberger after a play, and the same amount Tennessee’s Cortland Finnegan and Houston’s Andre Johnson were fined for their helmet-less fist fight on Sunday.

Don’t understand it? Don’t feel bad, nobody else does, either. Here’s the hit one more time.

And just for a comparison, here’s the hit he was penalized for against Oakland when he hit Jason Campbell, negating an interception returned for a touchdown by Ike Taylor. He was not fined for this one.

Random? Arbitrary? Welcome to the new NFL.

My biggest issue with the Fitzpatrick penalty — aside from the penalty itself — is how quickly the referee threw the flag. It hit the ground before the quarterback did, and it’s almost as if he was ready and waiting to throw it. It’s physically impossible to hit a quarterback.

Related posts:

  1. James Harrison Fined $20,000 for Playing Football
  2. Video: Will James Harrison Be Fined?
  3. James Harrison, Dirty Hits, the Media, Roger Goodell and NFL Safety
  4. James Harrison Is Your AFC Defensive Player of the Week
  5. James Harrison Talks About Roughing Up Kyle Orton
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  • RoB D

    I can hardly wait for the playoff loss because of one of these calls. You are going to see an explosion of rage from STeeler fans that will be epic.

  • justmyself

    Mike Tomlin will come out and say something politically correct and carefully measured, if that happens. This guy is spineless. Sadly, the Rooneys appear to be so too.

    Its obvious to anyone watching the game that the Steelers, and Harrison in particular, are being picked on unjustly. But out great coach and gutsy owners are too chicken to come out and say it.

    • Any Major Dude

      How is it spineless for Tomlin? If he gripes, *he* gets fined. The league is set up so that it keeps itself immune from criticism. I think Tomlin is handling himself admirably. He’s clearly not happy, and he’s speaking up for his players, but not risking additional sanctions. Smart man.

    • Cols714

      There really isn’t any way that Tomlin should come out and say anything about this. That would be totally beneath him and just come across as whining.

      • RoB D

        I am sure a lot has been said (and will be said) in the back corridors and in league meetings by the Steelers both during the season and afterwards. The one sided nature of the campaign against Harrison is so obvious and blatantly prejudiced.

        Remember that the Rooneys pull big weight in the NFL. I think Roger is listening to lawyers right now and not football people. The long term liability issues of concussions is haunting the league in light of the tragic case of people like Andre Waters and Mike Webster and many more lesser names. But they are penalizing rough play over dangerous play and that just isn’t right.

        • Steeler Stan

          In Ed Bouchette’s chat two weeks ago he said the Rooneys have actively been complaining to Goodell about this business. I think they need to do something differently, or at least someone has to, because this problem is getting worse. I’m really at my wit’s end about this. Its not just that Harrison is being targeted (Mariucci said on NFL Network: “Is it just me or is James Harrison getting picked on here?”). What’s really driving me crazy is how, even after the new crackdown, our marquee players aren’t receiving the same treatment. I figured James Sanders’ hit on Hines Ward would get a big fine or suspension- nothing. I figured Seymour’s punch to Roethlisberger would get $100,000- only $25K. I figured there would be some sort of after the fact punishment after Roethlisberger got twisted around after the play on Sunday- nothing. Goodell or his punishment goons have clearly targeted the Steelers and something needs to be done up to and including Goodell’s removal as commissioner.

    • GlennW

      Besides, Tomlin and Rooney II already spoke out– emphatically– in defense of Harrison after the fines were levied for Harrison’s hits in the Browns’ game. Guess what? It didn’t matter.

    • drinkingclub

      WTF? This guy is spineless. Sadly, the Rooneys appear to be so too. WTF?

      Are you a moron, or do you just play one on the internet?

  • SMF43

    “This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by the National Football League.” Just the one from the Bills game, that is. Hmmmmmm.

  • 1heavychevy

    NO QUESTION ABOUT IT…. Harrison is a physical player… but, I am looking forward to his suspension… his hits are so late they almost make the LATE SHOW with David Letterman late. It is obvious that he doesnt care about the fines or the welfare of fellow players… even though they are opposing players, you have to draw the line somewhere!!!!!! GO BILLS!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Ted

    I bet readers of this Web site would easily raise 25K for the legal defense of any player who throws a few Andre Johnson haymakers at that idiotic, fascist NFL commish. Hate is not a family value. But I truly have come to hate Roger “God”ell.