Steelers' linebacker James Harrison understands Browns McCoy hit was illegal – NFL News
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison has finally come with an understanding about illegality of his hit on Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy and his suspension by the National Football League (NFL) as a result of
the foul.
Colt McCoy suffered a concussion after coming into a helmet-to-helmet hit in their Thursday night game a couple of weeks ago. He has not played or practiced since, and is out of the side for rest of the season with a probability
that his injury might be a career-ending one for him.
The Steelers linebacker has conceded now that McCoy had tucked during the play and it was then that he was hit hard by him.
"I guess he's a little shorter, who knows? I don't know," Harrison said. "When it came down to it, my helmet hit his. Oh well."
Harrison became first player to have been suspended by the NFL under its enhanced measures for players’ safety. He served the penalty in the Steelers game against San Francisco 49ers on past Monday night. The 49ers won the game.
Having conceded to illegality of the hit and accepted the punishment Harrison has demanded the league office to punish the Cleveland Browns for their fault of granting permission to McCoy returned to resume his play.
The Browns sent back McCoy to resume his game. They later conceded that player was not assessed for concussions. They however defended themselves, claiming that the player had not shown symptoms for concussion. The side is under
fire over the decision since.
"If he was hurt so bad, I don't know why they let him back in ... two plays later," Harrison said. "Something should be done to them, I would think. I don't know. I got a game, what should they get?"
Handling of Colt McCoy injury prompted an inquiry of the Browns facilities by the National Football League (NFL) and NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
The controversy surrounding the incident also led to positioning of certified athletic trainers at press box by the NFL to assess players for concussions during each game. It is effective immediately. The trainers will assist the
team medical staff to inspect, assess and treat players for concussion on the sideline.
Browns claimed that their medical staff was unable to witness the McCoy hit for being busy in attending to other injured players. This was the reason that could not assess its impact.
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