Florio noted earlier that Steelers linebacker James Harrison didn’t have to file for an expedited appeal of his one-game suspension if he didn’t want to.
Harrison has chosen to do so, his agent has confirmed to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. We should know the NFL’s final decision this week.
One point Harrison may point out: The NFL hasn’t suspended a player for an on-field hit since 1986, when Packers defensive end Charles Martin was suspended two games for body-slamming Jim McMahon after a pass.
One point against Harrison: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin didn’t exactly defend his player on Tuesday.
“He hit him, he hit him illegally, he has to suffer the consequences,” Tomlin said. “We’re disappointed for James because we know how hard he’s worked to play within the rules. . . . [But] he has to be accountable for that so we accept the judgment rendered by the league office.”