Comments on: Brandon Harris fined $21,000 for Thanksgiving hit

By: elwaysmilehighdenver

elwaysmilehighdenver — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:59:44 +0000

Harris’s hit was a cheap shot on a defenseless returner. So much for the integrity and class of those texans Mr . Schaub! Please make your check out to the NFL.

By: txtuff

txtuff — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:53:02 +0000

The refs where so freaking bad in that game. From this play which by the way should have been a Texans turnover, to the fathom 81 yard TD, to a couple clear pass interference calls where the DB hit the WR before the ball got there. Watching the game was a joke for fans on both sides.

By: 8to80texansblog

8to80texansblog — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:51:25 +0000

There is no more halo rule I believe… so it was a completely legal hit. It was vicious and at full speed it looked really bad, but he didn’t beat the ball and the PR didn’t call fair catch.

How would you like it if corporate called you in and said, even though you’ve already been punished (flag), we’re docking you a month’s pay.

By: ccjcsr

ccjcsr — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:44:17 +0000

Maybe if he would have blown out the punt returners knees then it would have been legal

By: bambi19td

bambi19td — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:25:21 +0000

How can a punt returner ever be defenseless? All he has to do is wave his arm, signaling a fair catch, and he is protected. No other player, other than a quarterback sliding down, enjoys this type of protection. The returner elected not to signal a fair catch and paid the price. This is a completely bogus fine!

By: Andre's Johnson

Andre's Johnson — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:12:43 +0000

Thanks for the clarification, Jud.

In this case, Harris hit the punt returner just after the ball got there. You don’t want to get your head knocked off? Call a fair catch.

By: formyministy

formyministy — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:08:53 +0000

he got flagged and fined by the league. therefore he is a dirty player. isn’t this how it works? from now on, if he is flagged at all, then show this hit and remind the viewers at home of his past “problems”….lol.

By: judsonjr

judsonjr — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:34:34 +0000

The NFL does say that one of the definitions of defenseless players is: “A kickoff or punt returner attempting to field a kick in the air”

To me that means you can’t blow a guy up while the ball is in the air. It does not mean you can’t hit a guy that just caught the ball.

By: 2ndaryinsanity

2ndaryinsanity — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:24:45 +0000

Just one more glaring example of how unfair the current system of fines really is. It should definately be based upon a % of the player’s salary.
That being said, Harris should win his appeal on this bogus fine

By: cberkhous

cberkhous — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:20:55 +0000

I really believe the NFL should go to a percentage fine system rather than what they are currently using. All these fines that come out seem to be random amounts without reason. Suh gets a $30K fine for what the NFL terms an “accidental kick” and Harris gets $21K for what amounts to a hard hit.

There should a set percentage of a game check for each fine that escalates depending on how many fines a player has had over a period of time.

By: nflgridirongossip

nflgridirongossip — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:17:01 +0000

Instead of set dollar amounts, these fines should be at a set percentage of the weekly game checks (30% for instance). Especially when they are handed out so randomly.

By: Andre's Johnson

Andre's Johnson — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 19:04:46 +0000

I thought that was bogus when it was called on the field. So now there’s a defenseless punt returner rule? You have to be kidding me. He dind’t signal fair catch, and Harris got there a split-second after the ball did. That’s one of the reasons why the fair catch option exists.

Harris should win his appeal.

By: cmich2006

cmich2006 — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:43:26 +0000

When does Anquan Boldin’s fine for an illegal crack back block on a defenseless player get announced?

By: ctochester12

ctochester12 — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:26:35 +0000

No it was a complete legal hit, should not have been a flag, let alone a fine. What a joke.

By: hehateme2

hehateme2 — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:24:47 +0000

Too many fines… leave it on the field with flag already.

By: cmstrick

cmstrick — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 18:18:58 +0000

The disparity in salaries is not, and should not be, an issue.

Beyond that, though, he shouldn’t be fined at all, unless the hit came before the ball arrived.