Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison has been handed a one-game suspension for his hit on Colt McCoy
Dec 13, 2011 - Thanks to a helmet-to-helmet hit that resulted in a roughing the passer penalty and a concussion for Colt McCoy, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison has been suspended one game by the NFL, per ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter on twitter. The hit was a violent collision in which Harrison appeared to lead with his head, hitting McCoy shortly after he threw a short pass. Harrison plans to appeal the suspension.
The hit occurred with just under six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Seneca Wallace entered the game and deputized briefly, but McCoy returned to the game. Harrison was almost certainly going to face at least a fine for the hit, but his status as a repeat offender almost certainly factored into the league's decision to suspend him.
The timing couldn't be much worse for the Steelers. They take on the 10-3 San Fransisco 49ers in Week 15. Pittsburgh is currently tied with the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North, but the Ravens hold the tiebreaker.
For more on Harrison and the Steelers, check out Pittsburgh Steelers blog Behind The Steel Curtain.
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James Harrison Suspended One Game For Colt McCoy Hit
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Not long enough!!
I’m all for aggressive hard hitting play, its the only way to play but players still must play within the rules, like em or not. personal responsibility must be adhered too. There comes a time when simply fining – no matter how hefty – or suspending for a game or two isn’t enough and in the case of James Harrison it’s especially true. I think its time Goodell start suspending this animal for large portions of seasons – say, 6 + games to start. And, if it still doesn’t deter him, let him sit for an entire season along with loss of pay, levy substantial fines in excess of $50,000 although I think he’s already been hit with those kinds of fines so maybe $75,000 will do for starters..The league isn’t gonna be happy until someone, not just QB’s get paralyzed or worse. Same goes for Suh (although he hasn’t been around as long, he still knows legal from non legal)
by schugeorge67 on Dec 13, 2011 11:41 AM EST reply actions
lol
Suh gets two games for bruising a guys arm while Harrison gets one for landing a hit that can cause brain damage. Love to see the Steelers fans and players call bias on this one.
by daileysc on Dec 13, 2011 1:55 PM EST reply actions
THIS IS SUCH BS
This is such BS….this is coming from a non-Steeler fan more-so! A QB that is out of the pocket WITH THE BALL TUCKED is not a defenseless WR nor do they fall under the protected QB rule!!! As soon as he left the pocket he was a runner! You can’t tuck the ball then at the last second throw it then blame the dude for taking his head off!!! (which is exactly what he’d do on a running back) That’s garbage…
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by T.Holmes on Dec 13, 2011 2:36 PM EST reply actions
I disagree.
I understand the love of violent football. I can even understand that logic that once the players understand the risk (like boxing), if they choose to accept the risk, so be it.
but for me, I’m glad that the NFL is taking this position. now that we know that concussions cause brain damage I simply prefer that the NFL takes every step then can to minimize hits to the head. I prefer my football without permanent neurological damage.
For God and country - Geronimo
by Fan in Thick and Thin on Dec 13, 2011 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
I think his point
is not so much about the curtailing of violent hits but more about the fact that McCoy was acting as a runner in this instance. If it had been a running back, nothing would’ve been done. I too am a believer that we need to scale back on the helmet to helmet hits. The problem is that QBs get more protection than other players. RBs have the shortest careers and worst health after football than anybody. Yet the fact that this was a QB instead of an RB made all the difference in the punishment.
by Mark Mandingo on Dec 13, 2011 8:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
that being said
I’m not crying for Harrison. If he wants to be Silverback, then he should realize that he’s gonna get suspended for everything as long as he won’t change his style of play.
by Mark Mandingo on Dec 13, 2011 9:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Actually the rule is that he is still considered a QB until he crosses the LOS, that is because until he crosses the LOS he can still throw the ball legally. Your argument would be correct had he crossed the LOS, however all he did was leave the pocket. There is a big difference there.
by Ska.t73 on Dec 14, 2011 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
its not thag cut and dry
The rule also exempts a passer that is “attempting to advance the ball as a runner”. I have no problem with helmet to helmet hits being eliminated, but there needs to be some consistency across the board. We all know that this is not really about player safety, its about Manning, Brady, Rogers, Brees, QB safety. What if the ball is tossed to a RB, he fake pumps, and then brings the ball down and runs for the LOS, would this be called the same? Doubtful. If we’re gonna try to legislate safety, legislate it for all players.
by Mark Mandingo on Dec 14, 2011 12:45 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I agree that it should be the same for all players. However lets be honest here, if you watch the reply there is no question that Harrison knew Colt no longer had the ball, this wasn’t even close to a bang bang play. Harrison’s head was up and he was looking right at Colt when Colt threw the ball, he then loaded up an launched at Colt to hit him. Harrison knew exactly what he was trying to do.
by Ska.t73 on Dec 14, 2011 5:15 PM EST up reply actions
I don't disagree
Believe me, I’m not getting the pitchforks out to riot for Harrison. His history earned this. Its just more of a philosophical thing. It could be argued that Harrison had already started his momentum so he couldn’t have stopped it anyway, but its Harrison. He wouldn’t if he could have.
by Mark Mandingo on Dec 14, 2011 6:23 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Should have been 3 games
Hey Harrison, when you tackle somebody- try aiming for the numbers and stop using your helmet as a weapon. Plain and simple, this guy is either too dumb or too arrogant to be on the field. It’s so funny that people try to defend him when all of these hits he’s been fined for aren’t even remotely fundamental. He aimes too high, spears with his helmet, and doesn’t even wrap up.
by bmgrether on Dec 13, 2011 4:21 PM EST reply actions
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