(Photo: ESPN.com)

In an unprecedented disciplinary move, the NFL has suspended Steelers’ LB James Harrison for one game following his helmet-to-helmet hit on Browns QB Colt Mcoy last Thursday (VIDEO HERE).  It was Harrison’s fifth illegal hit against a QB in the past three seasons, which qualifies Harrison as a “repeat offender” and therefore made him subject to suspension.

From the league’s official statement:

Harrison was penalized for roughing the passer in last Thursday night’s Steelers-Browns game for an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit against a defenseless quarterback, Cleveland’s COLT MC COY. In addition to four fines for illegal hits against quarterbacks in 2009 and 2010, Harrison also was fined twice for unnecessary roughness during that period. Harrison totaled six fines in that two-year period.

The 2011 League Policies for Players manual states: “Players who were fined for violations in 2009 or 2010, and whose fines were either partially or fully upheld, will be considered second and/or repeat offenders under this policy.”

Prior to now, the league had only levied fined against players for such behavior, but Harrison has been the poster child for the league’s new policy against helmet-to-helmet hits for years now. Despite the fact that Harrison plans to appeal, there really is no defense for the way he lowered the crown of his helmet directly into McCoy’s facemask the way he did on this play. Roger Goodell had finally seen enough, and decided to drop the hammer.

Whether or not you agree with the legue’s crackdown on vicious hits, this is the NFL today … like it or not. And after years of fines and warnings, it’s clear that Harrison still just doesn’t get it. Maybe missing some actual game time will get through to him.

BONUS GIF OF THE HIT AFTER THE JUMP

(Image via mocksession.com)

Suh was fined $20k for this hit on Andy Dalton during the preseason (Photo: BleacherReport.com)

Detroit Lions’ DT Ndamukong Suh sat down with commissioner Roger Goodell yesterday in New York, to help gain a better understanding of the NFL’s rules as it relates to Suh’s particularly physical style of play. Suh initiated the meeting himself, having been flagged for three personal fouls already this season, and fined three times (for a total of $42,000) for over-zealous hits since entering the league in 2009. As a result, Suh has started to gain a reputation as a dirty player, and was looking for some clarity during Detroit’s bye week as to exactly what he’s doing wrong.

This preseason, Suh hypothesized that he “put refs in a tough situation because of his strength” … in other words, he’s just too much of a beast for the pro game, and referees have no choice but to throw a flag when faced with his awesomeness. And there’s probably a bit of truth to that statement, since it often seems as though Suh simply overpowers opposing lineman on his way into the backfield and destroys anything that gets in his path. So, Suh understandably wanted to know if the issue can really be fixed by adjusting his technique, or if it’s an unavoidable result of the way he plays the game.

For the meeting, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz and team president Tom Lewand joined Suh in a show of support for their all-pro lineman, while Goodell was flanked by his team of evil overlords league personnel. Together, they watched video of specific plays in question and discussed ways for Suh to stay within the rules. Afterward, Suh had this to say:

“I have gained a better understanding how I need to continue to play the game to help my team win,” Suh said in a statement. “I look forward to the rest of the season and doing everything we can to bring the Lombardi Trophy to Detroit.”

For his part Goodell released this equally cordial statement:

“Ndamukong plays the game with great skill and passion and is a major reason for the Lions’ success this year,” Goodell said in a statement. “In the course of our dialogue today, we reviewed video showing that Ndamukong has clearly made the adjustments to play consistently within the rules so that he can continue to help the team. We commend Ndamukong’s leadership in taking the initiative to schedule today’s meeting.”

Well isn’t that just super? Everyone is all buddy-buddy now. But we’ll see what happens the next time Suh hammers another helpless quarterback and endangers the health of one of the game’s most precious superstars.

Suh hits people and Goodell fines people. It’s just fundamentally who they are, and something tells me that neither are particularly going to change their stripes moving forward.

Today, at least according Kluwe’s latest whiteboard bomb, the league issued a memo to players banning the use of iPads 90 minutes prior to gametime, for any reason. As you may have heard, a lot of teams are using iPads as playbooks and game film tools in today’s Jobs-ian society (RIP Steve), and the tablets have become ubiquitous in NFL locker rooms.

So, with his Vikings at 0-4 and nothing better to do, Kluwe decided to have a little fun with Goodell again, posting this new fake memo to Twitter, ostensibly from his iPad:

“The front office was kind enough to send us another memo! Whiteboard time!”

(Image via Lockerz.com)

If Kluwe is to believed (we haven’t seen any other news of this memo elsewhere), apparently Goodell is getting twitchy about these iPads being hacked into in order to access an opponent’s gameplan prior to kickoff … or something like that. And whether or not you believe that’s a realistic concern, this is the latest instance of der commissioner trying to control his players’ every move. Kluwe also made a follow-up post, wondering how the league would enforce the new rule, and if they’d install a “mandatory Net Nanny for all NFL employees’ electronic devices”.

This probably isn’t Kluwe’s best stuff (although the Depends crack made us chuckle), but you certainly have to question the timing of the memo from Goodell, especially given this week’s passing of Jobs, and the ensuing cultural firestorm it has created. Unless this is all just a timely satirical social commentary by Kluwe, and there was no real memo to begin with. In which case, Chris is way more clever than we gave him credit for, and we tip our hat to him.

Raider nation is in mourning today, as the Oakland Raiders’ iconic owner Al Davis has passed away at the age of 82.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released this statement:

“Al Davis’s passion for football and his influence on the game were extraordinary. He defined the Raiders and contributed to pro football at every level. The respect he commanded was evident in the way that people listened carefully every time he spoke. He is a true legend of the game whose impact and legacy will forever be part of the NFL.”

(Image via reddit/r/nfl)

For all of his outlandish behavior and questionable managerial decisions toward the later part of his career, Davis’s impact on the game of football is undeniable. His rebellious persona defined the Raiders organization during his 48 years with the team, and he brought a defiant attitude that helped launch the NFL into the stratosphere. Davis’ “Commitment to Excellence” and “Just Win, Baby” are forever part of our sports lexicon.

Love him or hate him, Al Davis was a force of nature, and there won’t likely be another like him in our lifetime.

Rest in peace, Al.

(Photo: NYDailyNews.com)

Two days after Giants S Deon Grant was caught diving to the turf in an effort to stop the clock and slow the Rams no-huddle offense, the NFL issued a warning that players, coaches & teams caught faking injuries to disrupt the flow of the game could be punished with fines, suspensions and/or loss of draft picks. Although referees are powerless to penalize players suspected of feigning injury during the game itself, the league sent a memo to all 32 teams saying they would be reviewing questionable plays and handing out disciplinary action where appropriate for “conduct detrimental to the game”.

But several players have indicated that feigning injuries has long been a strategic part of the game, and is something that is even coached in certain circles:

“I’ve been places where it has been (taught),” said Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, a member of the players’ union executive committee. “They have a name for it and I’ve been places where it’s been pre-called. I’ve been places where it’s one player who has been designated. Maybe I’m getting everyone in trouble, but I’m just being honest.”

“It’s always been in the game,” Ravens All-Pro safety Ed Reed said. “It’s all tactical stuff you need to use. Whatever it takes. … If you’re tired, you’re tired. You get a break however you can.”

Added 49ers running back Frank Gore: “Hey, I feel if it helps, do it. I’m bound to do it. Whatever it takes to win …”

Obviously, we don’t want to see football go down the road of constant flopping that has taken over the NBA and international soccer, but it’s not like this has become an overwhelming problem in the sport (yet, at least). Plus, Goodell is going to have a tough time enforcing this rule, when its nearly impossible to say definitively whether or not a player was hurting, cramped, got a stinger, or whatever … unless they’re a particularly bad actor (like Grant).

Grant maintains that he banged his knee on the previous play, and went down when he realized he wouldn’t be able to get off the field in time, but nobody’s buying that. Grant is a savvy veteran, and he wasn’t the only Giant to fall to the ground on the play. And the injury time out might have saved the game for the Giants, who were able to catch their breath and force a field goal on the drive. So regardless of any potential punishment, the Giants would probably say it was worth it.

Redskins coach Mike Shanahan didn’t go so far as to say he’s coached the tactic himself, but he didn’t deny it either, adding ”It happens all the time, and warnings will come out … and it’s happened again.”

Leading with the helmet is Robinson's forte (Photo: Getty Images via WashingtonPost.com)

UPDATE: Robinson has been fined $40,000 by the NFL for this hit. 

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Last season, Falcons CB Dunta Robinson made headlines with his brutal helmet-to-helmet collision with Eagles WR DeSean Jackson, becoming the poster child for the NFL’s crackdown on violent tackling. And despite being fined for that play and the league issuing a new manifesto on discipline and illegal hits, apparently, Robinson still doesn’t understand, because he went and did it again during last night’s Eagles-Falcons game, this time to WR Jeremy Maclin.  

Regardless of his intent, Robinson clearly led with the crown of his helmet, and the league will certainly be reviewing the play to see if any fines and/or suspensions are warranted, especially considering that he’s a repeat offender.  The hit also drew the ire of the Eagles players:

“He’s two for two now,” Maclin said. “Fortunately, it wasn’t as bad as Jack’s was last year. I guess we’ll see what Roger Goodell has in store for him.”

 Jackson didn’t think too much of Robinson’s hit on Maclin.

“I guess that’s what type of player he is,” Jackson said. “He tries to go for the kill shot and things like that. He got a flag for it, so just glad Jeremy is OK.” 

VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP

To further demonstrate the extent of his thickness, Robinson doesn’t believe he did anything wrong:

“I felt that it was a legal hit even though I was penalized in that instance,” Robinson said. “Again, I feel strongly that there will not be any further repercussion.”

Yeah, good luck with that Dunta. In this post-game locker room interview, Robinson further defends the play, and you do have to appreciate the fact that these plays are split-second instinctive reactions, and defenders have a job to do. But that’s unfortunately not going to help his case with Roger Goodell.

The crowd – expressing the frustrations of football fans across the land – chanted “WE WANT FOOTBALL! WE WANT FOOTBALL!” for almost a minute, while all the commissioner could do was meekly smile and agree with the sentiment until the chant died down. It took a call for a moment of silence for those affected by the recent tornados in the South to finally quiet the crowd.

Watch and enjoy as Goodell squirms uncomfortably:

The hazing didn’t stop there, as Goodell was jeered every time he stepped up to announce a pick during the first round.

And things got even more awkward when Goodell greeted the #2 overall pick of the Denver Broncos, Von Miller, who is one of the plaintiffs named in the anti-trust lawsuit brought against the league. Incidentally, that lawsuit is the one that led to this week’s decision to lift the lockout, but Goodell was all smiles and greeting Miller with super-genuine hug in welcoming him to the NFL.

Goodell texts Ralph Wilson's typewriter from the Madden Cruiser (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

Roger Goodell: ….So essentially, that’s where it stands currently. Do any of you have any questions for me right now?

Ralph Wilson: I can’t see anyone?

Arthur Blank: It’s a phone call sir. So you shouldn’t see anyone.

Bob Kraft: What’s the hold up, Roger?

Goodell: They don’t want 18 games, they are worried about injury. I think if we can agree on the amount of games, the rest will fall into place.

Al Davis: Who’s worried?

Goodell: The players, sir. The people we are negotiating with.

Davis: Negotiate! I once rode the dragon with Howard Hughes, I only eat the beating hearts of unicorns, I sleep upside down in a belfry, I don’t negotiate with anyone!

Kraft: Al, good God, have you ever listened to yourself? You’re losing it.

Davis: Of course, I have only heard the sound of my voice since I had my face laminated in 1987.

Dan Snyder: Why don’t we just keep it at 16 and put this thing to bed.

Jerry Jones: Snyder, why don’t you shut up. You don’t know anything.

Snyder: Whatever, Jerry! Great job with the tickets!

Paul Allen: Hey, let’s work together, boys. I need more money for my mattress. I’m sleeping funny.

Randy Lerner: Have you tried putting some gold bars in there?

Zygi Wilf: Oh that works. Or sometimes I will have some of my servants get in there for the night. The odd shapes of their bodies provides a good night’s rest.

Blank: I find that if you shred the 100-dollar bills before you put them in the mattress, it’s more comfortable.

Goodell: Let’s keep on track. Do you all still want 18 games?

Wilson: Wait, this is a phone? Where is the dial? Is this magic!?

Blank: Sir, it isn’t magic, just a newer phone.

Wilson: Demons!

Lerner: I worked it out. I think we should go to 20 games. I think the Browns fans are ready to see our brand of exciting football for 20 games.

Steve Bisciotti: Ha! Good stuff, Randy. Good stuff. Your team is terrible.

Wayne Weaver: My fans aren’t ready for 18 games. Do you know some people actually move to Jacksonville? Have you been there? It’s like living in a homeless man’s mouth. It smells like the seventh day of a cholera outbreak.

Davis: I once had four homeless men killed on a private island by a Predator monster. I also had one be our receivers coach one year. I also drink Mormon blood for breakfast.

Kraft: Al, how are you even alive?

Bud Adams: I think hobos are spectacular! I used to take day trips to a Hooverville as a child when the zoo was closed. My father promised he would buy me a hobo. He never did.

Wilson: My dad bought me one. Texas Slim was his name. I used to dress him up like FDR, then I would put him in a wheelchair and push him down a hill. Such fun.

Kraft: You have to be kidding… Roger, it’s 18 games or a lockout.

Dan Rooney: Agreed. Don’t listen to these lunatics.

Davis: Rooney, show some respect, your father and I once bedded a trailer full of circus freaks in Akron after a two-day coke binge. Your father had some moxie, unlike you, young fellah.  You should have seen him, took the bearded lady for the team. It looked like he was having sex with Gandalf!

Rooney: Oh, God…

Kraft: Dan, your father did not have sex with a circus performer.

Davis: He did, he was like man possessed!

Blank: Enough Al!

Goodell: Okay, let’s call it a meeting. All in favor of staying on the present course?

All Owners: Aye

Davis: Nay! I’m moving the team to Stockton!

Goodell: Anything else?

Wilson: I haven’t pooped in a week!

Goodell: Very productive, Ralph. Goodnight everyone.

Insert pillow at receiver's feet (Photo: Post-Gazette.com)

Super Bowl Media Day is one of biggest circuses in all of sports, and with reporters from all over the world asking the same questions over and over again, it can easily blend into a mind-numbing hum of sports cliches and politically correct answers.

Well thank goodness for Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison, who used the stage today in Dallas to once-again make his views about the league’s crackdown on illegal hits known. Harrison became the poster boy for the NFL’s heightened stance on violent tackles this season, ultimately losing $125,000 to fines for hitting opposing players too hard. Never one to shy away from a good sound byte, he even threatened to retire from the sport after his now-infamous hit on Mohamed Massaquoi. And as the league’s most heavily fined player this season, Harrison is clearly still harboring some resentment against commissioner Roger Goodell.

Among other things, Harrison said that the meeting he had with Goodell was a “waste of time”, and questioned whether the league really cares about player safety. Fortunately for us, Harrison still seems to have a good sense of humor about the whole thing:

Andre Johnson dishes out some street justice to Cortland Finnegan (Photo: Karen Warren/Chronicle)

Let’s face it: Andre Johnson did the league a favor. When the all-pro WR beat Cortland Finnegan like he stole something during yesterdays Texans/Titans game, it somehow felt as though justice had been served.

Finnegan takes pride in being a dirty player. His entire game is getting inside his opponents’ heads until they finally snap and draw a penalty. The guy is a punk, plain and simple, who has openly boasted about wanting to be labeled the dirtiest player in the league. And so far this season, he’s done a fine job of building his reputation along those lines. But yesterday, Finnegan picked a fight with a much bigger dog, and he finally got what was coming to him. And as it happened, football fans around the world cheered.

Which is why it’s nice to hear that Johnson will not be suspended for his part in the brawl for it all, according to a report from Fox26. And the Houston Chronicle reports that both players have been fined $25k, but neither will face suspension for their actions. It actually seems like a particularly light slap on the wrist for both players from Roger Goodell, who up until now recently has handed out fines like Halloween candy. Richard Seymour was just fined the same amount last week for smacking down Ben Roethlisberger … and that was just one open-handed shot, while both were wearing helmets. So it seemed that a heavier punishment was in line for both players after their full-on brawl at the 40-yard line.

Johnson has been extremely contrite in apologizing for his actions yesterday, saying he simply lost his cool and would accept whatever punishment came his way.  But Goodell apparently agreed with Mike Ditka, who went on the Mike and Mike radio show this morning and suggested that Johnson should be commended for his actions:

I wouldn’t suspend him. I would applaud him if I was the National Football League. Where does it say that if I snake bites you, you can’t step on the snake? And that’s exactly what happened to this kid.

That seems to be the general consensus.

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO OF THE BRAWL AFTER THE JUMP

I’m not a big fan of violence, but I don’t think I’ve enjoyed watching someone get knocked upside the head that much in ages. And the way Finnegan bounced up with that smug look on his face, smiling and winking, SO satisfied with the knowledge that he accomplished what he set out to do: push Johnson until he snapped. And in case you had any doubt that he instigated the confrontation, NFL.com reports that Finnegan warned the Texans just prior to the fight, shouting “watch this” to the sideline moments before the snap. And then he trotted off the field, pumping his fist in celebration of himself. It almost makes you wish AJ had ten minutes alone with Finnegan to finish what he started.

Fortunately, Johnson will get to suit up for his team when the Texans face the Eagles on Thursday. And he was given the game ball by Gary Kubiak afterward, so clearly his team has Johnson back … and rightly so.

Lastly, and this comes to us from the guys at WithLeather: Finnegan and DJ Pauly D from Jersey Shore … separated at birth?

(Image via WithLeather)