Steelers’ James Harrison appeals against one-game ban over McCoy hit – NFL News
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison has appealed against one-game ban imposed on him by the National Football League (NFL) over a helmet-to-helmet hit on Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.
The hit had resulted in a head injury to McCoy which later was confirmed a concussion and despite that Harrison has strongly defended himself claiming it was a fair game the NFL on Tuesday handed him a suspension for one game.
As a result the player will be missing Steelers next game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night into NFL week 15.
The player agent however told media that his client had lodged an appeal against the suspension as according to him his punishment was unfair and he should not have been banned. The player will not be getting pay for his banned
game.
The appeal is expected to be heard by NFL and NFLPA’s official Art Shell or Ted Cottrell later this week. These officials normally hear players’ appeals. Many observers however are not optimistic about Harrison’s appeal to be accepted.
Harrison is the first player to be suspended under new rules being implemented by the NFL to increase players’ safety and protection against injuries.
Despite that Harrison defended himself Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said that they respected NFL judgement. He added that they also acknowledged that the player’s play was a foul.
"We're disappointed for James because we know how hard he's worked to play within the rules," Tomlin said. "We accept the judgment rendered by the league office and we'll move forward."
Meanwhile James Harrison apparently came out less affected by the NFL decision. He tweeted a thank-you message to his fans after NFL announcement of decision. "Thank you to all my fans and supporters, I'm just going to move on
from here and get ready for my next game," he wrote on his twitter account.
NFL decision of suspending Harrison has come only a day after the player came out to his defence saying he had not committed anything wrong which he should be punished for.
"I don't think a suspension is worthy," Harrison had said. "I don't think it's worthy of anything, but that's just my own personal thoughts."
The absence of Harrison can prove a setback for the Steelers who tied with the Baltimore Ravens atop the American Football Conference (AFC) north division are in a must win situation to stay in the AFC north title race and a playoff
berth.
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