NFL = No Fun League 
by Jacob Oberdorf, Staff Writer
October, 26, 2010
Every Sunday millions of Americans hunker down on their couches screaming at their TVs trying to coach their favorite NFL team as if they are the dudes wearing the headsets on the sidelines.
Out of the thousands of plays executed every Sunday, only one is a sure bet to catch the attention of every single one of those Americans watching. That play that I am talking about is, of course, a huge hit. Nothing beats watching a lean 275-pound linebacker launching himself to knock out an opposing player.
I am one of those obnoxious fans who scream at their TVs and tear up at the beauty of a big hit.
Two Sundays ago as the Steelers played against their rivals from Cleveland, it was clear that there was no shortage of big hits – until Steelers linebacker James Harrison ramped up the big hit to a whole new level.
Towards the end of the second quarter, Browns wide receiver Joshua Cribbs was maneuvering his way downfield when Harrison appeared from nowhere and stopped Cribbs in his tracks. Cribbs lay on the Heinz Field turf unconscious for a few minutes until he was able to make his way to the sideline.
A quarter later the Browns felt Harrison’s presence once again. Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi ran a route across the middle of the field. As soon as Massaquoi caught the pass, Harrison pummeled him. Like Cribbs, Massaquoi was knocked out and left the game with a concussion.
Unlike the hit on Cribbs, referees flagged Harrison for his hit on Massaquoi. But the penalty didn’t end there. On Tuesday morning Harrison received word that the NFL would fine him $75,000 for his hit.
This wasn’t the first fine Harrison had to pay the NFL Front Office. However, this one sent Harrison over the edge. On a Pittsburgh radio show, Harrison said that if the NFL wants to keep punishing him for playing the game as he was taught, he may consider a career change.
Harrison was not the only player fined for a role in laying out a huge hit on an opposing player. Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather and Falcons defensive back Dunta Robinson were fined $50,000 each for “illegal” hits on opposing players.
The NFL’s official word on these big hits was that they will start to enforce their illegal hit rule more strictly. On top of players being fined for issuing a big hit, they may also be given a game misconduct along with a suspension from the next week’s game.
These NFL pronouncements upset many people in and around the NFL. Many players said they might as well be playing flag football because consequences occur every time a receiver is hit. Many receivers even disagree with the enforcement of new rules. In fact, it is mostly receivers doing the complaining. They feel that big hits are a part of the game and taking them away will affect game play.
The ruling upset ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth who argued that the NFL is being hypocritical to what it has promoted ever since the NFL became popular. I agree with Schlereth. The NFL has promoted big hits ever since the Steelers Steel Curtain of the 1970s. DVDs of the NFL’s greatest hits showcase these hits. Up until a few years ago, a segment on the Monday Night Football pre-game show, titled “Jacked UP,” replayed the top five hits from the previous week accompanied by analyst commentary.
Time will tell if these sudden rule changes are effective or only a joke to NFL players. But these players know what they are buying into when they sign that multi-million dollar contract to play in the NFL. Big hits are part of the game, and they know that. So along with the millions of other football fans, I will continue sitting on my couch every Sunday just waiting to explode at the sight of the big hit.
[comments]
| Hitting part of football |
Posted by "Jacob Iellimo" on November 16, at 10:39 p.m.
All I have to say about that fine and the new rules is, HOLY RIDICULOUS. How are you supposed to regulate head-to-head contact in the NFL? They say because receivers are "defenseless," it's an illegal hit. Isn't that what all the pads are for? Those hits are going to happen no matter what. I hope players keep hitting hard and keep playing football the way football is supposed to be played. It's James Harrison's job to try to put people out the game. Let him do what he is supposed to do. Good article, J-Bay.
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| Football IS a contact sport |
Posted by "Melinda McCorkle" on November 12, at 11:30 a.m.
Honestly, I don't understand why this is such a big deal. It's football -- I thought it was a contact sport. I really don't think that James Harrison intentionally meant to hurt anybody. But it's a good article, Jacob. |
| Field penalties are enough |
Posted by "Garrett Miller" on November 12, at 11:21 a.m.
I think that the NFL is being ridiculous by throwing fines left and right at these players. A professional football player's job, especially a linebacker's, is to hit people. I understand that some hits are innapropriate, but I think that a penalty on the field is sufficient. There is no need to take these matters off the field. |
| James Harrison just doing his job |
Posted by "Jessica Pastva" on November 10, at 5:00 p.m.
In my opinion, James Harrison shouldn't have recieved any fines. His intent was not to hurt the players on the other team. He was simply doing his job. |
| James Harrison the victim? |
Posted by "Tom Dubovi" on November 10, at 2:34 p.m.
James Harrison would never quit football. According to his contract he would be forced to pay the Steelers $20 million! He just wants everyone to feel sorry for him. |
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