NFL reduces fines on Harrison, Robinson and Meriweather
The NFL has taken a step back from its hard stance on helmet-to-helmet hits and fines for such hits. The league had surprised the football world when earlier this season, it hit three players with staggering sums in fines. The move triggered a debate across
the board about the responsibility of players for their own safety and the safety of others. The fines were also highly unpopular among defensive players and gave rise to accusations of hypocrisy.
One important question was how much can a defensive player control how a hit lands when offensive players are trying to evade being tackled. Players travelling at high speeds can do little to change their trajectory at the last second to avoid hitting another
player’s helmet. The league insisted that being the one making that contact; it was the responsibility of the defensive player to avoid hitting the other player in a dangerous way. That is what NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told Pittsburgh Steelers' James
Harrison. The defender was hit with over a $100,000 in fines by the league.
Harrison, along with others, appealed the fines and complained about the appeals process. His reservations, it now appears, might have been misplaced. The league has considered Harrison’s appeal and reduced his fine to $50,000 from the initial $75,000. Harrison’s
agent, Bill Parise said that he would also appeal a separate $25,000 fine incurred for a late hit on Buffalo Bills' Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Along with Harrison, Atlanta Falcons' Cornerback Dunta Robinson and New England Patriots' Safety Brandon Meriweather have also received a reduction in their fines. Former NFL coach Ted Cottrell made the decision to reduce the fines in tandem with Commissioner
Goodell. According to a statement issued by the league, the Commissioner fully supported Cottrell’s decision to reduce the fines. “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,” read the statement.
All three players were fined for their hits against the Receivers. Harrison had collided with Cleveland Browns' Wide Receiver Mohammed Massaquoi. The violent hit left the Receiver with a concussion. Harrison was also responsible for sidelining Massaquoi
and Josh Cribbs however he was not fined for that hit.
Robinson was fined for a hit on Philadelphia Eagles' Receiver DeSean Jackson. Both players suffered a concussion as a result. Robinson had to miss next week’s game under NFL’s revamped return to play policy following concussions.
Meriweather was fined for the hit on Baltimore Ravens' Tight End Todd Heap. Meriweather and Robinson both were fined $50,000 each. Robinson’s fine has been reduced by $25,000 while Meriweather got a less substantial cut and would now have to pay $40,000
in fines.
All three players were fined in the week six of the regular season in October.
These reductions might be the first sign that league is rethinking its harsh stance on hits to the head. Initially, the league has threatened fines and suspensions for repeat offenders or flagrant disregard for the safety of other players. Defensive players
have alleged that the league is concerned primarily with the safety of NFL’s brighter stars (mostly offensive players) because they attract the most viewers and sell most jerseys. It is a fact that the overwhelming majority of fines this season have come against
defensive players while the offensive players have rarely been penalized for dangerous hits.
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