PITTSBURGH (AP) — Much-fined Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison believes he is being targeted by the NFL for his hard hitting. He doesn’t plan to change the way he plays, even if coach Mike Tomlin suggests he should.
Harrison, fined $125,000 by the NFL since mid-October for four separate hits, drew strong support Wednesday from his Steelers teammates as they prepared for Sunday’s important AFC North game at Baltimore. They argue Harrison isn’t dirty or reckless, but is being punished because his intense hitting potentially endangers the playing status of some of the NFL’s marquee players.
Linebacker James Farrior said some owners are unhappy because Harrison is putting a “hurting” on their quarterbacks.
Steelers player representative Ryan Clark has contacted the NFL Players Association to complain about the league’s treatment of Harrison.
