Reports are circulating that Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison could be suspended for two games following his Thursday night helmet-to-helmet tackle of Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.
As I reported earlier today the Browns medical staff is under fire by the league and outside agencies after failing to provide McCoy with the proper SCAT2 concussion test until the following Friday morning.
At the very least the debate, to resume on Monday will provide Harrison with a hefty fine for violating the NFL’s enhanced enforcement on player safety violations.
If suspended Harrison would be the first player to miss games under the league’s new enhanced enforcement rules.
Speaking at a fan forum in Detroit NFL commissioner Roger Goodell noted:
“Our staff is going to be looking at that play along with every other play that happens this weekend, and they’ll make their decisions.”
This isn’t the first time Harrison has been charged for illegal hits, last season he was fined a total of $125,000 for his actions.
In defending himself and his hit on Colt McCoy the Steelers linebacker said:
“From what I understand, once the quarterback leaves the pocket, he’s considered a runner.”
Harrison continued:
“All the defenseless(ness) and liberties that a quarterback has in the pocket are gone and you can tackle him just as he’s a running back. The hit wasn’t late, so I really don’t understand why it was called.”
Because Colt McCoy threw the ball before the hit he was marked as a defenseless player.
Do you believe that James Harrison should be suspended over his late helmet-to-helmet hit?