The NFL reduced the early season fine of Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison from $75,000 to $50,0000 according to Bill Parise, the agent for Harrison. Harrison initially denied the appeal that Harrison had made previously, but the league apparently has had a change of heart after reviewing the hit once again. The fine in question we think stems from the hit on Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi way back in week 6 of this season. Also receiving fine decreases today were Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather and Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson according to league sources.
Here is the release below:
We can confirm the outcome of those appeals. The fines of Dunta Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons and Brandon Meriwether of the New England Patriots for flagrant hits against defenseless receivers have been reduced on appeal. The appeals officer, Ted Cottrell, reduced Robinson’s fine from $50,000 to $25,000 and Meriweather’s fine from $50,000 to $40,000. Following these decisions, Cottrell took the additional step of reviewing the appeal of James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Harrison was fined $75,000 earlier this season for a similar flagrant hit. Cottrell consulted with Commissioner Goodell about reducing Harrison’s fine to $50,000 and the commissioner fully supported the decision. Cottrell said he reduced the fines because the players said they understood the rules and have made efforts to adjust their techniques to play within the rules that protect player safety.
