League is selling photo of James Harrison's illegal hit

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on October 19, 2010, 11:12 PM EDT

national-football-league-2010-season-week-6-james-harrison-mohamed-massaquoi-nfl-1011-wk6-00264lg.jpgThe folks at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh have uncovered an interesting angle regarding the hit that resulted in the imposition of a $75,000 fine against Steelers linebacker James Harrison.

The league currently is selling photos of the incident involving Harrison and Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, at anywhere from $15.95 to $249.95.

Sorry, but the NFL can’t have it both ways.  If the league wants to legislate dirty hits out of the game, the NFL should do nothing to profit from those dirty hits. 

For now, the NFL is.

UPDATE:  It appears that the spike in traffic from PFT Planet has crashed the servers of the NFL Photo Store.

Permalink 172 Comments Feed for comments Back to top

172 responses to “League is selling photo of James Harrison's illegal hit”

  5. in this case can we break the new posting rules to address the NFL the way in needs to be addressed in this situation?

  6. in this case can we break the new posting rules to address the NFL the way in needs to be addressed in this situation?

  7. is there a chance that Good(bad)ell can fine himself for this one?
    Lets protect the players the best we can while making as much money as possible on the things that we are trying to discourage… absoluetly brutal… Stay Classy NFL

  8. is there a chance that Good(bad)ell can fine himself for this one?
    Lets protect the players the best we can while making as much money as possible on the things that we are trying to discourage… absoluetly brutal… Stay Classy NFL

  15. this is as good as ESPN rolling with Playmakers until time for MNF negotiations came up.
    when will Playmakers be available on Netflix?
    too bad it was not very realistic.
    War – ESPN’s Jacked Up Segment B.C. – (before concussions)

  16. this is as good as ESPN rolling with Playmakers until time for MNF negotiations came up.
    when will Playmakers be available on Netflix?
    too bad it was not very realistic.
    War – ESPN’s Jacked Up Segment B.C. – (before concussions)

  19. The main point of these defensive penalties is not to protect the players. If Goodell and the owners cared so much about “protecting the players” they wouldn’t be pushing an 18 game season. The real reason they penalize these hits is because, like Antrel Rolle said, it makes defense more tentative. Granted, Rolle is a moron, and helmet to helmet hits are extremely dangerous. But the point is, when the D is tentative, offense scores more points. High-scoring games get higher ratings than defensive showdowns. So the NFL is essentially trying to make more money off of these games by penalizing the defense and making every game a touchdown-fest. Player safety is important, but that’s not the reason the league is pushing these rules. It’s all about the $$$.
    This just proves that. The NFL is run by money–hungry pigs. Screw Goodell.

  20. The main point of these defensive penalties is not to protect the players. If Goodell and the owners cared so much about “protecting the players” they wouldn’t be pushing an 18 game season. The real reason they penalize these hits is because, like Antrel Rolle said, it makes defense more tentative. Granted, Rolle is a moron, and helmet to helmet hits are extremely dangerous. But the point is, when the D is tentative, offense scores more points. High-scoring games get higher ratings than defensive showdowns. So the NFL is essentially trying to make more money off of these games by penalizing the defense and making every game a touchdown-fest. Player safety is important, but that’s not the reason the league is pushing these rules. It’s all about the $$$.
    This just proves that. The NFL is run by money–hungry pigs. Screw Goodell.

  21. For a marketing “behemoth,” the NFL has been remarkably inept at controlling its message this year.

  22. For a marketing “behemoth,” the NFL has been remarkably inept at controlling its message this year.

  25. What a joke of a double standard. That’s what you call double dippin 75,000 big ones from the player then you turn around and are selling the pictures for up to $250 EACH. How can the league be taken seriously with this crap.

  26. What a joke of a double standard. That’s what you call double dippin 75,000 big ones from the player then you turn around and are selling the pictures for up to $250 EACH. How can the league be taken seriously with this crap.

  27. The proceeds of this sale should go directly to Harrison so he can offset some of the cost of the fine.

  28. The proceeds of this sale should go directly to Harrison so he can offset some of the cost of the fine.

  31. Ummm the link isn’t working. Florio you must be influential if the league is reading your posts.

  32. Ummm the link isn’t working. Florio you must be influential if the league is reading your posts.

  35. Florio, see, you are a shill for a dirty organization.
    Get back to your roots, and support the reinstitution of Smashmouth Football!!
    First they allow ESPN to collude with NFL coaches to collect more add revenue, now they are profiting off of a ‘devastating hit’.
    Making money off of Harrison and the fans.
    Goodell is a bad human… he allowed the Patsies to cheat without any real punishment, now they are talking out of both ends of their you know what…

  36. Florio, see, you are a shill for a dirty organization.
    Get back to your roots, and support the reinstitution of Smashmouth Football!!
    First they allow ESPN to collude with NFL coaches to collect more add revenue, now they are profiting off of a ‘devastating hit’.
    Making money off of Harrison and the fans.
    Goodell is a bad human… he allowed the Patsies to cheat without any real punishment, now they are talking out of both ends of their you know what…

  37. probably because today’s “dirty” hit is the same as yesterday’s regular ole hit. It’s the business they’re in.

  38. probably because today’s “dirty” hit is the same as yesterday’s regular ole hit. It’s the business they’re in.

  39. Shocking. The NFL is bunch of greedy opportunists who pretend to care about player safety so they can use it as a bargaining chip to ram through an 18 game season.

  40. Shocking. The NFL is bunch of greedy opportunists who pretend to care about player safety so they can use it as a bargaining chip to ram through an 18 game season.

  41. Careful what you wish for, Florio. If you watch the video closely, Harrison seemed to pull up a bit before he hit Massaquoi – he could have really launched and cut the guy in half. Part of the reason Massaquoi got his dome rung is because of the way he ducked his own head into the path of the hit.
    If you tell Harrison to change his tactics, next time he might just launch and blow right through the guy’s chest area, and take out a few ribs and end his season. Clearly, the most important thing is that qb’s should not be leading their receivers straight into a violent collision with their little crossing slant passes. If Colt was throwing downfield (like he should), there’s no way a linebacker is coming in from the opposite direction to crush the receiver. That little crossing pattern right in the territory of the linebackers is one of the more dangerous plays in football – more teams should consider doing away with that play altogether.

  42. Careful what you wish for, Florio. If you watch the video closely, Harrison seemed to pull up a bit before he hit Massaquoi – he could have really launched and cut the guy in half. Part of the reason Massaquoi got his dome rung is because of the way he ducked his own head into the path of the hit.
    If you tell Harrison to change his tactics, next time he might just launch and blow right through the guy’s chest area, and take out a few ribs and end his season. Clearly, the most important thing is that qb’s should not be leading their receivers straight into a violent collision with their little crossing slant passes. If Colt was throwing downfield (like he should), there’s no way a linebacker is coming in from the opposite direction to crush the receiver. That little crossing pattern right in the territory of the linebackers is one of the more dangerous plays in football – more teams should consider doing away with that play altogether.

  43. Where was the concern from the NFL when Mike Webster’s post mortem revealed traumatic brain injuries incurred over a 25 year NFL career that was equivalent to “25,000 automobile accidents” by neurologists?
    Nothing…not a freaking peep or action.
    Now he’s fining people for hard hits deemed illegal retroactively and sells the freaking photographs. Pimps have more integrity.

  44. Where was the concern from the NFL when Mike Webster’s post mortem revealed traumatic brain injuries incurred over a 25 year NFL career that was equivalent to “25,000 automobile accidents” by neurologists?
    Nothing…not a freaking peep or action.
    Now he’s fining people for hard hits deemed illegal retroactively and sells the freaking photographs. Pimps have more integrity.

  45. That’s awesome. Great job NFL for being such huge hypocrites and eliminating your fan base.
    Maybe I’ll watch the CFL and watch play where the fully legal Dunta Robinson type hits are not fined and players will make them.
    Might as well switch our to two hand touch or some form of flag football that will still sell photos the NFL can sell for $250.

  46. That’s awesome. Great job NFL for being such huge hypocrites and eliminating your fan base.
    Maybe I’ll watch the CFL and watch play where the fully legal Dunta Robinson type hits are not fined and players will make them.
    Might as well switch our to two hand touch or some form of flag football that will still sell photos the NFL can sell for $250.

  47. If true, that’s just about blows the credibility of “The League” right out the window. BTW, if true, I commend you for reporting it. Given the long tentacles of the NFL, few outlets would touch such blatant hypocracy.

  48. If true, that’s just about blows the credibility of “The League” right out the window. BTW, if true, I commend you for reporting it. Given the long tentacles of the NFL, few outlets would touch such blatant hypocracy.

  49. Is it any more hypocritical than NFL selling their
    hardest hits/jacked-up videos?
    Do photo sales offset Harrison’s fine, or go to the same charity?

  50. Is it any more hypocritical than NFL selling their
    hardest hits/jacked-up videos?
    Do photo sales offset Harrison’s fine, or go to the same charity?

  51. I wish I had the $75k that Harrison had to pay for his fine just so I could purchase 300 of the canvas wrapped ones and ship them right back to the commissioner. Attached to each I would ductape a slow motion replay of the previous 2 seconds before the hit and with a freshly purchased Sharpie I would write, “Follow Massaquoi’s noggin”, on each picture. This is ridiculous, the commish needs to man up and admit that the only reason fines and suspensions are being dealt is to further the agenda of an 18 game season. Its not too hard to see. The same can be said from almost every hit this weekend, excluding Merriweather’s of course. I wonder if the proceeds from this picture are given to charity too????

  52. I wish I had the $75k that Harrison had to pay for his fine just so I could purchase 300 of the canvas wrapped ones and ship them right back to the commissioner. Attached to each I would ductape a slow motion replay of the previous 2 seconds before the hit and with a freshly purchased Sharpie I would write, “Follow Massaquoi’s noggin”, on each picture. This is ridiculous, the commish needs to man up and admit that the only reason fines and suspensions are being dealt is to further the agenda of an 18 game season. Its not too hard to see. The same can be said from almost every hit this weekend, excluding Merriweather’s of course. I wonder if the proceeds from this picture are given to charity too????

  53. the nfl is the most ridiculous piece of garbage under roger goodell. they cave into anything blown up by the media. all the new hitting the qb rules, hits to the head, the patriots stealing signs. all espn creations that equated into overreaction by the league with stiff illogical rules.

  54. the nfl is the most ridiculous piece of garbage under roger goodell. they cave into anything blown up by the media. all the new hitting the qb rules, hits to the head, the patriots stealing signs. all espn creations that equated into overreaction by the league with stiff illogical rules.

  55. this is nothing new..these are the same people who fine terrell owens for dumping popcorn in his face, then proceed to use is it as a commercial clip high-lighting the league..they also continued to use welker’s snow angel display as an advertisement for how fun the league is, right after they fined him for excessive celebration.. i realize the head shots are more of an issue, but this comment is about the hypocrisy of the league and its marketing of traits they deem undesirable.

  56. this is nothing new..these are the same people who fine terrell owens for dumping popcorn in his face, then proceed to use is it as a commercial clip high-lighting the league..they also continued to use welker’s snow angel display as an advertisement for how fun the league is, right after they fined him for excessive celebration.. i realize the head shots are more of an issue, but this comment is about the hypocrisy of the league and its marketing of traits they deem undesirable.

  57. I agree they can’t have it both ways.. but I’m sure Goodell had no idea about this. Some schlep with an entry level position probably made a mistake.. That is unless they’re exclusively selling the photos of the illegal hits. I didn’t look.

  58. I agree they can’t have it both ways.. but I’m sure Goodell had no idea about this. Some schlep with an entry level position probably made a mistake.. That is unless they’re exclusively selling the photos of the illegal hits. I didn’t look.

  59. The photo is copyright the AP
    Who likely has a standing deal with the NFL to reproduce their images
    and “ReplayPhotos” has a relationship with the AP (as per their “about us”)
    …so it’s not like the NFL slapped the image on a mug and solid it straight up themselves.
    They likely had zero prior knowledge the product was being produced, and now that it has been brought to light they may do something about it.

  60. The photo is copyright the AP
    Who likely has a standing deal with the NFL to reproduce their images
    and “ReplayPhotos” has a relationship with the AP (as per their “about us”)
    …so it’s not like the NFL slapped the image on a mug and solid it straight up themselves.
    They likely had zero prior knowledge the product was being produced, and now that it has been brought to light they may do something about it.

  61. Pimps have more integrity? I’m pretty sure there’s a pimp out there that would have a ho secretly film it to sell or blackmail with and then steal what’s left in your wallet while you’re washing your pecker in the sink.
    More integrity? No. The good sense to know to do their dirt on a smaller scale in the shadows? Sure.
    This sh*t they’re pulling is ridiculous.

  62. Pimps have more integrity? I’m pretty sure there’s a pimp out there that would have a ho secretly film it to sell or blackmail with and then steal what’s left in your wallet while you’re washing your pecker in the sink.
    More integrity? No. The good sense to know to do their dirt on a smaller scale in the shadows? Sure.
    This sh*t they’re pulling is ridiculous.

  63. How dare they try to shamelessly make money off of it while self-righteously decrying it? Don’t they realize that’s your territory?
    How many different permutations are you going to devise in order to slap Harrison back on the front page, Florio? Dunta and Merriweather don’t quite stir the pot as much as trying to demonize big bad Jamie Harrison, do they? You claim to be concerned about player safety, but you’re more interested in trying to isolate and attack Harrison…
    I have an idea. Let’s say ” the debate continues ” by finding some quotes from before the fines were even handed down.. then let’s talk about how Orton got hurt trying to tackle Harrison in the preseason… I’m surprised you haven’t conjured up the video of Harrison slamming the Browns fan. Maybe he suffered a concussion, as well.
    Every single player in that locker room, and most in the Browns’ locker room, know that this is complete and under BS. Hillis and Roth even came out and said Harrison’s hits weren’t dirty. I can only imagine this will feed the Steelers’ “they’re all out to get us” mentality coming out of the Ben saga. This will only reinforce the mission.

  64. How dare they try to shamelessly make money off of it while self-righteously decrying it? Don’t they realize that’s your territory?
    How many different permutations are you going to devise in order to slap Harrison back on the front page, Florio? Dunta and Merriweather don’t quite stir the pot as much as trying to demonize big bad Jamie Harrison, do they? You claim to be concerned about player safety, but you’re more interested in trying to isolate and attack Harrison…
    I have an idea. Let’s say ” the debate continues ” by finding some quotes from before the fines were even handed down.. then let’s talk about how Orton got hurt trying to tackle Harrison in the preseason… I’m surprised you haven’t conjured up the video of Harrison slamming the Browns fan. Maybe he suffered a concussion, as well.
    Every single player in that locker room, and most in the Browns’ locker room, know that this is complete and under BS. Hillis and Roth even came out and said Harrison’s hits weren’t dirty. I can only imagine this will feed the Steelers’ “they’re all out to get us” mentality coming out of the Ben saga. This will only reinforce the mission.

  65. Just like fans of the offending player to make excuses for him. You guys are going out of your way to defend James Harrison!? Would he do the same for you?
    Don’t give me this crap about Massaquoi ducking or Colt leading or the OC calling the play or the fact that James looked like he was easing up. He launched into the guy and made helmet to helmet contact with a defenseless receiver. It doesn’t matter WHY he was defenseless. It doesn’t matter what Harrison MEANT to do. It doesn’t matter if someone else had a more egregious hit in some other game! Diversionary arguments! It was an illegal hit per the league. Get…over…it.

  66. Just like fans of the offending player to make excuses for him. You guys are going out of your way to defend James Harrison!? Would he do the same for you?
    Don’t give me this crap about Massaquoi ducking or Colt leading or the OC calling the play or the fact that James looked like he was easing up. He launched into the guy and made helmet to helmet contact with a defenseless receiver. It doesn’t matter WHY he was defenseless. It doesn’t matter what Harrison MEANT to do. It doesn’t matter if someone else had a more egregious hit in some other game! Diversionary arguments! It was an illegal hit per the league. Get…over…it.

  67. I agree with your point, but I’m sure its just a matter of it slipping through the cracks rather than them really trying to profit from an illegal hit. I’m sure if someone high up in the NFL offices knew it was being sold they’d have prevented it.

  68. I agree with your point, but I’m sure its just a matter of it slipping through the cracks rather than them really trying to profit from an illegal hit. I’m sure if someone high up in the NFL offices knew it was being sold they’d have prevented it.

  69. I think the most frusterating problem of all is that we as the fans cant do anything but complain about all the bull that goes on in the politics of the NFL. I am a steelers fan. But i am a fair person. I know that james harrison is a dirty player. I will be the first to admit that. But every team in the NFL has atleast that one dirty guy on the team. Or “ENFORCER” if you will. The only hit that i saw that was worth a fine was the Merriweather hit. That was so obvious it was sickening. But the Robinson and harrison hits were just those guys playing a physical game. It is ridiculous and obserd that these politics of the NFL get away with all these garbage fines and rules.How come refs get to keep their jobs when they make the worst calls of important games? do they even get fined? Mabye. id bet its only a couple thousand to if they even did. How come they get away with more murder than OJ Simpson? This whole league is beginning to be corrupt. Full of money hungry people like the commish. that guy is the biggest pile of steamy crap ive ever laid eyes on. So if they make a rule about hitting the head or above the shoulders and they want the players to hit lower…..then guys will start losing knee caps. Guys will try to hurrdle tackles and be flipped on their heads and break their necks. Beacause that is such a much better idea. Mabye while they are at it, put sum red jerseys on the QB’s so players know not to hit them. I mean really. I dnt think any REAL football fan can say it enough… ITS FOOTBALL. ITS A CONTACT SPORT. IF YOU CANT HANDLE THE HITS…DONT PLAY. Period. I hope James Harrison really gives the NFL sumthing to cry about this year.

  70. I think the most frusterating problem of all is that we as the fans cant do anything but complain about all the bull that goes on in the politics of the NFL. I am a steelers fan. But i am a fair person. I know that james harrison is a dirty player. I will be the first to admit that. But every team in the NFL has atleast that one dirty guy on the team. Or “ENFORCER” if you will. The only hit that i saw that was worth a fine was the Merriweather hit. That was so obvious it was sickening. But the Robinson and harrison hits were just those guys playing a physical game. It is ridiculous and obserd that these politics of the NFL get away with all these garbage fines and rules.How come refs get to keep their jobs when they make the worst calls of important games? do they even get fined? Mabye. id bet its only a couple thousand to if they even did. How come they get away with more murder than OJ Simpson? This whole league is beginning to be corrupt. Full of money hungry people like the commish. that guy is the biggest pile of steamy crap ive ever laid eyes on. So if they make a rule about hitting the head or above the shoulders and they want the players to hit lower…..then guys will start losing knee caps. Guys will try to hurrdle tackles and be flipped on their heads and break their necks. Beacause that is such a much better idea. Mabye while they are at it, put sum red jerseys on the QB’s so players know not to hit them. I mean really. I dnt think any REAL football fan can say it enough… ITS FOOTBALL. ITS A CONTACT SPORT. IF YOU CANT HANDLE THE HITS…DONT PLAY. Period. I hope James Harrison really gives the NFL sumthing to cry about this year.

  71. Speaking of 18-game-seasons, is Florio all for it, or shouldn’t he be, since it would mean more cashish? Doesn’t more games = more page views = more $$$? He’s so influential, according to that article he wrote, that he should be pushing for it hard. It seems Florio is against it to me, which means it’s not all about the $$$ for him. But he does point out how much of an influence he has, as to jack-up his price tag for NBC or whoever’s next for PFT. Florio, are you about the straight cash, homey, or aren’t you? Your message isn’t clear.

  72. Speaking of 18-game-seasons, is Florio all for it, or shouldn’t he be, since it would mean more cashish? Doesn’t more games = more page views = more $$$? He’s so influential, according to that article he wrote, that he should be pushing for it hard. It seems Florio is against it to me, which means it’s not all about the $$$ for him. But he does point out how much of an influence he has, as to jack-up his price tag for NBC or whoever’s next for PFT. Florio, are you about the straight cash, homey, or aren’t you? Your message isn’t clear.

  73. But Florio you want to legislate dumb comments from the site, yet keep making dumb arguments….So I guess touche.

  74. But Florio you want to legislate dumb comments from the site, yet keep making dumb arguments….So I guess touche.

  75. Roger Godell is the Jimmy Carter of NFL commissioners! Pete Rozelle is spinning in his grave. Fine the guy $75,000 no questions asked…then turn around and profit from the photo!
    Find it funny that Scott Fujita even said they were “good defensive plays!”

  76. Roger Godell is the Jimmy Carter of NFL commissioners! Pete Rozelle is spinning in his grave. Fine the guy $75,000 no questions asked…then turn around and profit from the photo!
    Find it funny that Scott Fujita even said they were “good defensive plays!”

  77. So, has the league started selling pictures of Favre’s crank yet? If so, will those be as pricey?

  78. So, has the league started selling pictures of Favre’s crank yet? If so, will those be as pricey?

  79. I guess I’d rather take hypocrisy from my entertainment source, than the political and religeous systems we’ve tolerated it from for centuries. Why the hell not!

  80. I guess I’d rather take hypocrisy from my entertainment source, than the political and religeous systems we’ve tolerated it from for centuries. Why the hell not!

  81. Andy Prough just nailed it. Nice work on Harrison’s Massaquoi hit – perfectly stated, but guys who don’t know the game/never played have no idea what the speed of the game is like will never get it – yet these same guys comment, and ultimately, legislate, interpret and enforce matters as if they do/did.
    Next.
    (1) The NFL has long raked in huge coin by selling a violent game that vastly exceeds what the common man could do. If everyone could do it, who would fork out big bank to watch? Of course, the NFL has long marketed the violence of the game … because the NFL was a second class citizen going virtually nowhere when it was showing clips of Red Grange hauling ice blocks or Sammy Baugh throwing the ball through a holed out basket a mere 10 feet from his face.
    (2) But now a prohibitionistic movement has set in – where one’s morals are dictated by the Carrie Nations of the world. Great – a game/vocation that is purely voluntarily played, participated in and witnessed by independent thinkers now has a big brother to tell us what we should think, who will dictate/corrupt the Great Game.
    As Jerry Seinfeild might quip sarcastically, “Oh yeah, that’ll work.”

  82. Andy Prough just nailed it. Nice work on Harrison’s Massaquoi hit – perfectly stated, but guys who don’t know the game/never played have no idea what the speed of the game is like will never get it – yet these same guys comment, and ultimately, legislate, interpret and enforce matters as if they do/did.
    Next.
    (1) The NFL has long raked in huge coin by selling a violent game that vastly exceeds what the common man could do. If everyone could do it, who would fork out big bank to watch? Of course, the NFL has long marketed the violence of the game … because the NFL was a second class citizen going virtually nowhere when it was showing clips of Red Grange hauling ice blocks or Sammy Baugh throwing the ball through a holed out basket a mere 10 feet from his face.
    (2) But now a prohibitionistic movement has set in – where one’s morals are dictated by the Carrie Nations of the world. Great – a game/vocation that is purely voluntarily played, participated in and witnessed by independent thinkers now has a big brother to tell us what we should think, who will dictate/corrupt the Great Game.
    As Jerry Seinfeild might quip sarcastically, “Oh yeah, that’ll work.”

  83. I think it is very rare that any player intentionally goes for a hed-to-head hit. Everything is so fast and re-actionary that the instinct to put your head down at impact is what drives these types of hits. The athletes are bigger, stronger and faster then ever. The hits occur, the fans love em. To be on the field is the risk you take.
    Yes, the late hits should be enforced, but the game has evolved. Let em play, to tell an NFL defensive player he can’t re-act to a play across the middle is like telling an MLB Third Baseman he can’t wear a mit on the “Hot Corner”.
    If a player doesn’t want to get hit going across the middle, he shoulda stayed in Soccer.

  84. I think it is very rare that any player intentionally goes for a hed-to-head hit. Everything is so fast and re-actionary that the instinct to put your head down at impact is what drives these types of hits. The athletes are bigger, stronger and faster then ever. The hits occur, the fans love em. To be on the field is the risk you take.
    Yes, the late hits should be enforced, but the game has evolved. Let em play, to tell an NFL defensive player he can’t re-act to a play across the middle is like telling an MLB Third Baseman he can’t wear a mit on the “Hot Corner”.
    If a player doesn’t want to get hit going across the middle, he shoulda stayed in Soccer.

  87. rdiz17 says:
    October 19, 2010 11:26 PM
    Florio, who are you to tell the NFL what it can and can”t do?
    _________
    if ur mad at him be mad at EVERYONE! that is a disgrace. first off even bein fined for that hit is crazy lol its FOOTBALL! and second u fine him 75000. and then sell the fotos of in which he got fined for. NFL CANT DO THAT! im with florio.. i know i already posted but im steamin still

  88. rdiz17 says:
    October 19, 2010 11:26 PM
    Florio, who are you to tell the NFL what it can and can”t do?
    _________
    if ur mad at him be mad at EVERYONE! that is a disgrace. first off even bein fined for that hit is crazy lol its FOOTBALL! and second u fine him 75000. and then sell the fotos of in which he got fined for. NFL CANT DO THAT! im with florio.. i know i already posted but im steamin still

  89. Looking at the Patriots pictures from the game against the Ravens there are 3 pictures of Merriweather hitting Heap with helmet to helmet. It is great seeing people getting blowed up.

  90. Looking at the Patriots pictures from the game against the Ravens there are 3 pictures of Merriweather hitting Heap with helmet to helmet. It is great seeing people getting blowed up.

  91. Wonder how long it will be before the league starts selling Brett Favre’s most recent “action” shots?
    Greedy bastards!!

  92. Wonder how long it will be before the league starts selling Brett Favre’s most recent “action” shots?
    Greedy bastards!!

  95. The irony in this is similar to the governments stance on cigarettes in this country. They say they don’t want people smoking because it is causes cancer and all sorts of illness. They don’t want it advertised because they don’t want kids too take up the nasty habit. So the government taxes the hell out of the people who smoke cigarettes because they know non smokers will keep voting yes to more cigarette taxes because it doesn’t affect them anyways. Yet at the same time the government are the ones who subsidizes the farmers to grow tobacco on their lands.
    Double profit = taxing/fining people who smoke. Sharing in on the profits that farmers and tobacco companies make on growing and distributing tobacco.
    Double profit = Issuing fines to players who dish out hard hits (illegal or otherwise). Selling 9 x 12 stills of those same hits online and piling up enough footage of the hits to distribute a “best of hard hits” dvd.

  96. The irony in this is similar to the governments stance on cigarettes in this country. They say they don’t want people smoking because it is causes cancer and all sorts of illness. They don’t want it advertised because they don’t want kids too take up the nasty habit. So the government taxes the hell out of the people who smoke cigarettes because they know non smokers will keep voting yes to more cigarette taxes because it doesn’t affect them anyways. Yet at the same time the government are the ones who subsidizes the farmers to grow tobacco on their lands.
    Double profit = taxing/fining people who smoke. Sharing in on the profits that farmers and tobacco companies make on growing and distributing tobacco.
    Double profit = Issuing fines to players who dish out hard hits (illegal or otherwise). Selling 9 x 12 stills of those same hits online and piling up enough footage of the hits to distribute a “best of hard hits” dvd.

  97. How can the league fine a player in one instance and turn around and attempt to make a profit off of the same play that they are trying to crack down on? This is really turning into one big joke!
    Merriweather’s hit:
    http://www.replayphotos.com/nflphotostore/2010-11-season-print/todd-heap-brandon-meriweather_324214.cfm
    Includes caption that he was fined 50k for this very play!
    The NFL needs to calm down on the rules against the defense.! I can’t wait for Superbowl XLIX in 2015! The first NFL flag-football championship!

  98. How can the league fine a player in one instance and turn around and attempt to make a profit off of the same play that they are trying to crack down on? This is really turning into one big joke!
    Merriweather’s hit:
    http://www.replayphotos.com/nflphotostore/2010-11-season-print/todd-heap-brandon-meriweather_324214.cfm
    Includes caption that he was fined 50k for this very play!
    The NFL needs to calm down on the rules against the defense.! I can’t wait for Superbowl XLIX in 2015! The first NFL flag-football championship!

  99. Nobody wants to talk about how the Browns lead the league in opposing teams’ players getting fined with no penalties called. Sure, the NFL isn’t fixed to ensure the point spreads stay true…um yeah not at all.. Teams like Detroit and Cleveland will never win. Period. And that is just the way it is. (Also see: Calvin Johnson’s no touchdown)

  100. Nobody wants to talk about how the Browns lead the league in opposing teams’ players getting fined with no penalties called. Sure, the NFL isn’t fixed to ensure the point spreads stay true…um yeah not at all.. Teams like Detroit and Cleveland will never win. Period. And that is just the way it is. (Also see: Calvin Johnson’s no touchdown)

  101. I understand why the league want’s to make the sport less barbaric so this make total sense for the execs to take a stand and rule out hits that made the NFL. Head injuries in the NFL have all the geek exec’s scared and they compelled to do something to curb the trauma.
    However does any believe boxing could be saved if all the fighters starting wearing head gear? If so don’t invest in MMA!

  102. I understand why the league want’s to make the sport less barbaric so this make total sense for the execs to take a stand and rule out hits that made the NFL. Head injuries in the NFL have all the geek exec’s scared and they compelled to do something to curb the trauma.
    However does any believe boxing could be saved if all the fighters starting wearing head gear? If so don’t invest in MMA!

  103. Very hypocritical of the NFL – hopefully some of the proceeds from the sale of these photos will be used to fund any additional costs of expanding the NFL 88 program. As long as the NFL is going this route with gear sales, the least they could do is let fans purchase jerseys with the last name Mexico (still deemed to be unacceptable by the official web shop).

  104. Very hypocritical of the NFL – hopefully some of the proceeds from the sale of these photos will be used to fund any additional costs of expanding the NFL 88 program. As long as the NFL is going this route with gear sales, the least they could do is let fans purchase jerseys with the last name Mexico (still deemed to be unacceptable by the official web shop).

  105. The overlooked fact the NFL keeps ignoring year after year is that mouth pieces aren’t required. I understand for QB’s wearing a mouthpiece is an issue giving out cadence, but other players should be required to wear them. The friction caused between the jaw on massive hits would create a buffer zone if majority of the players wore mouthpieces. Go take a look at the college game and HS. I realize the force of tackles aren’t the same, but it’s something to look into.

  106. The overlooked fact the NFL keeps ignoring year after year is that mouth pieces aren’t required. I understand for QB’s wearing a mouthpiece is an issue giving out cadence, but other players should be required to wear them. The friction caused between the jaw on massive hits would create a buffer zone if majority of the players wore mouthpieces. Go take a look at the college game and HS. I realize the force of tackles aren’t the same, but it’s something to look into.

  107. NFL receiver Dennis Northcutt just spoke out AGAINST NFL crackdown on violent hits. He strongly expressed his opinion at 1:20 am Wed morning. on Fox Sports Radio (JTTheBrick Show). I believe that can be podcast at jtthebrick.com
    It was strongly expressed, and very interesting.

  108. NFL receiver Dennis Northcutt just spoke out AGAINST NFL crackdown on violent hits. He strongly expressed his opinion at 1:20 am Wed morning. on Fox Sports Radio (JTTheBrick Show). I believe that can be podcast at jtthebrick.com
    It was strongly expressed, and very interesting.

  109. No, the NFL is not selling this photo, replayphotos.com is selling them and if the NFL doesn’t stipulate in the licensing agreement that individual phots must be vetted through them before they are put up for sale, then that’s just capitalism (of which I’m a huge fan) at work! So if you’re not privy to the contract, you should probably just stfu or limit it to what you know which is that the NFL is profitting knowingly or unknowingly from the Harrison hit” Since you’re a lawyer and know this already, I’ll just assume you’re doing this to drum up excitement as usual!

  110. No, the NFL is not selling this photo, replayphotos.com is selling them and if the NFL doesn’t stipulate in the licensing agreement that individual phots must be vetted through them before they are put up for sale, then that’s just capitalism (of which I’m a huge fan) at work! So if you’re not privy to the contract, you should probably just stfu or limit it to what you know which is that the NFL is profitting knowingly or unknowingly from the Harrison hit” Since you’re a lawyer and know this already, I’ll just assume you’re doing this to drum up excitement as usual!

  111. Good job for having the guts to report this, Florio. Too bad you fail to see this hypocrisy runs under the entire league. As others have wisely stated, this has nothing to do with player protection: it’s merely about making the scores higher under the veil of the NFL being self-righteous.
    Eventually, everyone is going to see what a terrible commissioner Goodell is. Has done nothing but further watered down the league, given players weak slaps on the wrist, and has tried to increase profit. Eventually he’s going to go too far. Hopefully when the league goes to shit next year.

  112. Good job for having the guts to report this, Florio. Too bad you fail to see this hypocrisy runs under the entire league. As others have wisely stated, this has nothing to do with player protection: it’s merely about making the scores higher under the veil of the NFL being self-righteous.
    Eventually, everyone is going to see what a terrible commissioner Goodell is. Has done nothing but further watered down the league, given players weak slaps on the wrist, and has tried to increase profit. Eventually he’s going to go too far. Hopefully when the league goes to shit next year.

  113. This is kind of like when the NFL fines players for excessive celebrating (Get your popcorn ready!) and then constantly airs them on their ads. That’s always bothered me.

  114. This is kind of like when the NFL fines players for excessive celebrating (Get your popcorn ready!) and then constantly airs them on their ads. That’s always bothered me.

  115. It is getting harder and harder to keep taking the NFL seriously with all their rules anymore!

  116. It is getting harder and harder to keep taking the NFL seriously with all their rules anymore!

  117. The NFL’s concern for violent hits is very touching.
    This is why the league is pushing for 18 games, increased fines instead of suspensions and everything else that reaks of greed.
    The players should get a percentage of the sales because they paid for the photo.

  118. The NFL’s concern for violent hits is very touching.
    This is why the league is pushing for 18 games, increased fines instead of suspensions and everything else that reaks of greed.
    The players should get a percentage of the sales because they paid for the photo.

  121. The NFL speaks with a forked tongue when it comes to big hits. On one hand, they claim to want to minimize them, but then they package the big hits and market them. Can’t have it both ways.

  122. The NFL speaks with a forked tongue when it comes to big hits. On one hand, they claim to want to minimize them, but then they package the big hits and market them. Can’t have it both ways.

  123. My big fear now is that the zebras will be trigger happy/flag happy on penalities.
    So many of these fines come out of plays where there were no penalites.
    I hate to say it but maybe the answer is replay.
    Like the gods in those Demetrius and the Gladiators movies of our youth, stick a penalty czar in the press box and he can use replay to call the missed penalty.
    Yeah, the refs are missing them because in real time the game is so fast. I was on the field for a game earlier this year…..I can’t believe how fast these guys are. Of course, in replay…played like frames of the Zapruder film…it looks different.
    Refs don’t see plays real time in slo mo.

  124. My big fear now is that the zebras will be trigger happy/flag happy on penalities.
    So many of these fines come out of plays where there were no penalites.
    I hate to say it but maybe the answer is replay.
    Like the gods in those Demetrius and the Gladiators movies of our youth, stick a penalty czar in the press box and he can use replay to call the missed penalty.
    Yeah, the refs are missing them because in real time the game is so fast. I was on the field for a game earlier this year…..I can’t believe how fast these guys are. Of course, in replay…played like frames of the Zapruder film…it looks different.
    Refs don’t see plays real time in slo mo.

  125. The NFL and Roger Goodall are nothing less than your run-of-the-mill greedy corporation. Roger Goodall is a hypocrite AND a cockroach.
    The Steelers are the greatest team of all-time! Roger, you are James’ bitch. He does what he pleases. Dig?
    Why don’t we just turn the NFL into flag or tag football. That is what it’s coming to. May just as well watch the Knitting Channel.
    GO STEELERS!
    SCREW THE REST OF YOU! HA!
    By the way, it was NOT an illegal hit!

  126. The NFL and Roger Goodall are nothing less than your run-of-the-mill greedy corporation. Roger Goodall is a hypocrite AND a cockroach.
    The Steelers are the greatest team of all-time! Roger, you are James’ bitch. He does what he pleases. Dig?
    Why don’t we just turn the NFL into flag or tag football. That is what it’s coming to. May just as well watch the Knitting Channel.
    GO STEELERS!
    SCREW THE REST OF YOU! HA!
    By the way, it was NOT an illegal hit!

  131. This is beyond frustrating. What internal control do you have, Mr. Goodell? You fine a guy 75k and sell pictures of the infraction?? I’m getting sick of the fascist regime controlling the NFL.
    This is intentional, deliberate, and frankly, to even suggest the excuse of “we didn’t intend to do that” will set off a firestorm by all defensive players who were fined for hits where they clearly didn’t try to hit the guy’s head.
    A commentor here suggested the money from the sale of those photos could go to charity, and I’m sure that’s what the NFL PR machine will do next, but what a clusterf**k. How do you clean up “We care about the safety of the players, but we’ll sell images of their injuries for profit”?

  132. This is beyond frustrating. What internal control do you have, Mr. Goodell? You fine a guy 75k and sell pictures of the infraction?? I’m getting sick of the fascist regime controlling the NFL.
    This is intentional, deliberate, and frankly, to even suggest the excuse of “we didn’t intend to do that” will set off a firestorm by all defensive players who were fined for hits where they clearly didn’t try to hit the guy’s head.
    A commentor here suggested the money from the sale of those photos could go to charity, and I’m sure that’s what the NFL PR machine will do next, but what a clusterf**k. How do you clean up “We care about the safety of the players, but we’ll sell images of their injuries for profit”?

  135. I hate Goodell more than I hate New England, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Cleveland and everyone else combined.
    If it was the Bengals vs Goodell and a Cincy win knocked the Steelers out of the playoff hunt and knocked Goodell’s career out, I would put on my TOchocinco Halloween costume and scream “Who Dey???” until my lungs bled.

  136. I hate Goodell more than I hate New England, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Cleveland and everyone else combined.
    If it was the Bengals vs Goodell and a Cincy win knocked the Steelers out of the playoff hunt and knocked Goodell’s career out, I would put on my TOchocinco Halloween costume and scream “Who Dey???” until my lungs bled.

  137. ArtModell’sPimp:
    Your little insurrection has been crushed and you have been returned to your state of bondage, enslaved by Steeler Nation. The problem is…you have no “football Moses” to lead you out of slavery. Talk all the trash you want..it’s still very cold, dark and miserable in your cell.
    You and your team are property of Steeler Nation and we will do with you as we please.

  138. ArtModell’sPimp:
    Your little insurrection has been crushed and you have been returned to your state of bondage, enslaved by Steeler Nation. The problem is…you have no “football Moses” to lead you out of slavery. Talk all the trash you want..it’s still very cold, dark and miserable in your cell.
    You and your team are property of Steeler Nation and we will do with you as we please.

  139. This is what I’ve been saying, Florio. The league cares nothing about player safety. If they did, thy wouldn’t want to add two more games. If they did, they would mandate the clunky, safer helmets.
    They would also have fined some of the other helmet to helmet hits from last week. There were a bunch throughout the league, but only 3 made any noise because people got hurt.

  140. This is what I’ve been saying, Florio. The league cares nothing about player safety. If they did, thy wouldn’t want to add two more games. If they did, they would mandate the clunky, safer helmets.
    They would also have fined some of the other helmet to helmet hits from last week. There were a bunch throughout the league, but only 3 made any noise because people got hurt.

  141. I’m willing to bet Roger Goodell knew nothing of the photos being for sale and it will be removed.

  142. I’m willing to bet Roger Goodell knew nothing of the photos being for sale and it will be removed.

  143. This might besmirch the integrity of the game.
    like turning a total blind eye to the eventuality of most players…horrible knee problems at 35, working third shift at a sausage factory and broke as hell.
    The NFL has become a totally sleazy corporation under Goodell’s watch. He’ll need to pimp ESPN out to create a few more sepia-toned gauzy biopics with Rick Reilly and old NFL players on the history of the sport to try to erase the history of his dishonest mismanagement.

  144. This might besmirch the integrity of the game.
    like turning a total blind eye to the eventuality of most players…horrible knee problems at 35, working third shift at a sausage factory and broke as hell.
    The NFL has become a totally sleazy corporation under Goodell’s watch. He’ll need to pimp ESPN out to create a few more sepia-toned gauzy biopics with Rick Reilly and old NFL players on the history of the sport to try to erase the history of his dishonest mismanagement.

  145. Yeah the Steelers fans are really showing their class here. No way would I be happy that one of my guys almost decapitated another player. And then to say it’s Massaquoi’s fault for bracing himself for the hit. That’s all he did. He saw Harrison for a split second and braced himself as much as he could. He wasn’t lowering his head to hit back. Get real. Harrison is as dirty a player as the rest of that classless team. Only citizens of Pittsburgh would be so happy to support a group of classless individuals such as this. Yeah I’m gonna hear a bunch of crap about the Bengals and their records. However, they’re not out trying to take the heads off of other players in the game and then bragging about it. Yeah they have their history of off-the-field issues but they’ve all seemed to clean that up and are trying to change for the better. I can’t say the same for the classless Steelers. What a bunch of bums.

  146. Yeah the Steelers fans are really showing their class here. No way would I be happy that one of my guys almost decapitated another player. And then to say it’s Massaquoi’s fault for bracing himself for the hit. That’s all he did. He saw Harrison for a split second and braced himself as much as he could. He wasn’t lowering his head to hit back. Get real. Harrison is as dirty a player as the rest of that classless team. Only citizens of Pittsburgh would be so happy to support a group of classless individuals such as this. Yeah I’m gonna hear a bunch of crap about the Bengals and their records. However, they’re not out trying to take the heads off of other players in the game and then bragging about it. Yeah they have their history of off-the-field issues but they’ve all seemed to clean that up and are trying to change for the better. I can’t say the same for the classless Steelers. What a bunch of bums.

  147. the nfl does this all the time..they advertise the league using conduct they deem undesirable. they fine owens and welker for td celebrations (popcorn and snow angel) then show the celebration in commercials

  148. the nfl does this all the time..they advertise the league using conduct they deem undesirable. they fine owens and welker for td celebrations (popcorn and snow angel) then show the celebration in commercials

  149. GODdell allows me to hit like that on Madden 11?What’s the prob?
    This would be the same as the City of Baltimorons arresting people for doing crack, and then advertising how great the crack is down there by using them in a tourism video! Come to Baltimore! No different.
    Go Steelers!

  150. GODdell allows me to hit like that on Madden 11?What’s the prob?
    This would be the same as the City of Baltimorons arresting people for doing crack, and then advertising how great the crack is down there by using them in a tourism video! Come to Baltimore! No different.
    Go Steelers!

  151. @artmodelsbitch
    Yes we whine all the time… About our players getting fined for hitting your players too hard, whereas you whine about everything else.

  152. @artmodelsbitch
    Yes we whine all the time… About our players getting fined for hitting your players too hard, whereas you whine about everything else.

  153. Nice how after the NFL is caught shopping the photo on their site for up to $250 they remove the site and have no responce, action or penalties. Seems only right that they should take his fine and return it cause they are/were promoting this kind of hit.

  154. Nice how after the NFL is caught shopping the photo on their site for up to $250 they remove the site and have no responce, action or penalties. Seems only right that they should take his fine and return it cause they are/were promoting this kind of hit.

  155. I heard this on the sports news today. This is pretty outrageous in my opinion. The fact they were selling a picture of the hit while also saying it was illegal and issuing the biggest fine in history is completely hypocritical and shows just how stupid GODell and the NFL brass is. There is no other way to look at this issue. They better be careful, as they could get some unwanted backlash and negative publicity from this matter. I read where Harrison will appeal the fine. I am sure they will point to the selling of the pic when making their case. After all, the NFL would never sell anything that is illegal, now would they?
    I think the NFL should spend more time trying to get the officials to understand and enforce the rules so that if there is truly an illegal hit, it gets dealt with during the game.
    PS: ArtModellsPimp’s comment was a complete waste of space. As usual for him.
    GO STEELERS!!

  156. I heard this on the sports news today. This is pretty outrageous in my opinion. The fact they were selling a picture of the hit while also saying it was illegal and issuing the biggest fine in history is completely hypocritical and shows just how stupid GODell and the NFL brass is. There is no other way to look at this issue. They better be careful, as they could get some unwanted backlash and negative publicity from this matter. I read where Harrison will appeal the fine. I am sure they will point to the selling of the pic when making their case. After all, the NFL would never sell anything that is illegal, now would they?
    I think the NFL should spend more time trying to get the officials to understand and enforce the rules so that if there is truly an illegal hit, it gets dealt with during the game.
    PS: ArtModellsPimp’s comment was a complete waste of space. As usual for him.
    GO STEELERS!!

  157. Kudos Florio! Best thing you’ve done all year! By the way, you should talk to Gregg Easterbrook about the concussion thing – he’s been writing about it for years in his Tuesday Morning Quarterack column.
    mortreport NFL is removing photo of Harrison hit on Massaquoi from its purchase site.

  158. Kudos Florio! Best thing you’ve done all year! By the way, you should talk to Gregg Easterbrook about the concussion thing – he’s been writing about it for years in his Tuesday Morning Quarterack column.
    mortreport NFL is removing photo of Harrison hit on Massaquoi from its purchase site.

  159. A few seasons ago Jarrett Johnson from Baltimore received a fine for an illegal hit. A few days later the NFL actually used footage of the “illegal hit” on one of their NFL Network commercials. This has been happening a lot since that donkey Goodell has been around. While some of the helmet to helmet launching should be pursued, the majority of the hits were clean this past Sunday. Regardless, the photograph angle is very sad from the NFL, very sad.

  160. A few seasons ago Jarrett Johnson from Baltimore received a fine for an illegal hit. A few days later the NFL actually used footage of the “illegal hit” on one of their NFL Network commercials. This has been happening a lot since that donkey Goodell has been around. While some of the helmet to helmet launching should be pursued, the majority of the hits were clean this past Sunday. Regardless, the photograph angle is very sad from the NFL, very sad.

  161. What were Harrison and Robinson supposed to do? Let the receivers catch the ball and run past them?
    I’m about done with the NFL. They want arena football, where guys like Brady, Manning, and Brees can play pitch and catch across the middle all game and we end up with 51-50 scores every week.

  162. What were Harrison and Robinson supposed to do? Let the receivers catch the ball and run past them?
    I’m about done with the NFL. They want arena football, where guys like Brady, Manning, and Brees can play pitch and catch across the middle all game and we end up with 51-50 scores every week.

  163. Andy Prough just nailed it. Nice work on Harrison’s Massaquoi hit – perfectly stated, but guys who don’t know the game/never played have no idea what the speed of the game is like will never get it – yet these same guys comment, and ultimately, legislate, interpret and enforce matters as if they do/did.
    Next.
    (1) The NFL has long raked in huge coin by selling a violent game that vastly exceeds what the common man could do. If everyone could do it, who would fork out big bank to watch? Of course, the NFL has long marketed the violence of the game … because the NFL was a second class citizen going virtually nowhere when it was showing clips of Red Grange hauling ice blocks or Sammy Baugh throwing the ball through a holed out basket a mere 10 feet from his face.
    (2) But now a prohibitionistic movement has set in – where one’s morals are dictated by the Carrie Nations of the world. Great – a game/vocation that is purely voluntarily played, participated in and witnessed by independent thinkers now has a big brother to tell us what we should think, who will dictate/corrupt the Great Game.
    As Jerry Seinfeild might quip sarcastically, “Oh yeah, that’ll work.”

  164. Andy Prough just nailed it. Nice work on Harrison’s Massaquoi hit – perfectly stated, but guys who don’t know the game/never played have no idea what the speed of the game is like will never get it – yet these same guys comment, and ultimately, legislate, interpret and enforce matters as if they do/did.
    Next.
    (1) The NFL has long raked in huge coin by selling a violent game that vastly exceeds what the common man could do. If everyone could do it, who would fork out big bank to watch? Of course, the NFL has long marketed the violence of the game … because the NFL was a second class citizen going virtually nowhere when it was showing clips of Red Grange hauling ice blocks or Sammy Baugh throwing the ball through a holed out basket a mere 10 feet from his face.
    (2) But now a prohibitionistic movement has set in – where one’s morals are dictated by the Carrie Nations of the world. Great – a game/vocation that is purely voluntarily played, participated in and witnessed by independent thinkers now has a big brother to tell us what we should think, who will dictate/corrupt the Great Game.
    As Jerry Seinfeild might quip sarcastically, “Oh yeah, that’ll work.”

  165. This league is becoming a joke and it starts with he league office. No selling local team items unless as there approval, getting on businesses in areas blacked out for showing game, now selling pictures of hits they have fined players for. Total classless act on there part. Won’t be long fans won’t care if have a walkout. Keep it up God-del.

  166. This league is becoming a joke and it starts with he league office. No selling local team items unless as there approval, getting on businesses in areas blacked out for showing game, now selling pictures of hits they have fined players for. Total classless act on there part. Won’t be long fans won’t care if have a walkout. Keep it up God-del.

  167. It’s a little disingenuous to say that the league is selling the photo. Replay Photos is selling the photo. Replay Photos also sells photos for the majority of college teams too (which is where it got its start). While I’m not privy to the contractual terms between the NFL and Replay Photos (which by the way just came about this past off-season) I would tend to believe that if the NFL was made aware of a photo they did not want published, they would ask Replay Photos to remove it and it would be done. That being said, these photos are not the property of the NFL, they are the property of the photographer and/or Replay Photos.

  168. It’s a little disingenuous to say that the league is selling the photo. Replay Photos is selling the photo. Replay Photos also sells photos for the majority of college teams too (which is where it got its start). While I’m not privy to the contractual terms between the NFL and Replay Photos (which by the way just came about this past off-season) I would tend to believe that if the NFL was made aware of a photo they did not want published, they would ask Replay Photos to remove it and it would be done. That being said, these photos are not the property of the NFL, they are the property of the photographer and/or Replay Photos.

  169. Mizzou1839 says: October 20, 2010 9:22 AM
    “It’s a little disingenuous to say that the league is selling the photo. Replay Photos is selling the photo.”
    Maybe so, but the page says “NFL Photo Store” and it displays the official NFL “shield”.
    Obviously money being made here is finding its way to the NFL.
    Every penny generated by the sale of these pictures should go directly to the players’ fines.

  170. Mizzou1839 says: October 20, 2010 9:22 AM
    “It’s a little disingenuous to say that the league is selling the photo. Replay Photos is selling the photo.”
    Maybe so, but the page says “NFL Photo Store” and it displays the official NFL “shield”.
    Obviously money being made here is finding its way to the NFL.
    Every penny generated by the sale of these pictures should go directly to the players’ fines.

  171. @SteelTown-6
    So what? The fact that Replay Photos is an NFL licensed affiliate doesn’t affect what or what they cannot sell. The NFL cannot come back to Replay Photos and modify their contract because one of the photos that RP is selling is of an event that involved a player being fined, even if they wanted to.
    Sure, RP might remove the photo on their own, but that’s nothing the NFL can control.

  172. @SteelTown-6
    So what? The fact that Replay Photos is an NFL licensed affiliate doesn’t affect what or what they cannot sell. The NFL cannot come back to Replay Photos and modify their contract because one of the photos that RP is selling is of an event that involved a player being fined, even if they wanted to.
    Sure, RP might remove the photo on their own, but that’s nothing the NFL can control.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to leave a comment. Not a member? Register now!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.