On the Steelers: Harrison considers retirement
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The NFL fined Steelers linebacker James Harrison $75,000.
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Coach Mike Tomlin still insisted Wednesday that James Harrison's hit on Cleveland wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi was a legal one, yet maintained that his players should not be confused about how to tackle after the NFL came down hard on the Steelers' linebacker.
"There's no confusion," Tomlin declared. "There really isn't. It's a very emotional thing, but there's no confusion."
Confusion, though, dominated the Steelers' locker room, a place that did not include Harrison. The three-time Pro Bowl linebacker was absent from work, and he and his agent said he was contemplating retirement after the league fined him $75,000 Tuesday for the high hit on Massaquoi. Tomlin, however, said that after meeting with Harrison early Wednesday morning, he gave him the day off.
"A very productive conversation," Tomlin described it. "I thought it was beneficial to him and us if I give him a little time to cool off and give him the day. I excused him at that time.
"I'm sure he'll be back in the building and ready to play football tomorrow.
"Needless to say, this is a very emotional thing for James. He's a very disciplined and regimented guy. He's passionate about the game of football. It bothers him that he may be perceived as a dirty player. He doesn't desire to be. Simply wants to play the game and play it well."
While Harrison suffered the consequences of his hit, he is not the only defender wondering how to tackle after the NFL lowered the boom on three defensive players for what it ruled illegal hits Sunday. New England's Brandon Meriweather and Atlanta's Dunta Robinson each were fined $50,000 for their hits, all to the head area.
Many Steelers declined to talk about Harrison's fine or render an opinion on his hits -- including union player rep Charlie Batch -- because Tomlin told them not to. It did not stop them from raising the issue of how to play their game on defense.
"We all have the same concerns about what's legal and what's not legal," said linebacker James Farrior, the defensive captain. "I don't think it's defined right now, so it's a question mark for us. We don't want to get into trouble every time we hit somebody, so it's definitely a concern."
First Published October 21, 2010 12:00 am
