After listening to weeks of whining (and, yes, it really is whining) from members of the Steelers organization regarding the league’s imposition of fines on linebacker James Harrison, the NFL finally has responded to the notion that the league office -- which previously was believed to have a bias in favor of the Steelers -- is out to get them.
“I would say that’s misguided and, frankly, completely untrue,” NFL V.P. of football operations Ray Anderson said regarding the allegation that the Steelers are being targeted, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Every team and every player, hopefully, will have the confidence that, if they play within the rules, we won’t have this problem.”
Anderson also made clear the league’s position that enforcement won’t change.
"[W]e expect every player to play within the rules,” Anderson said. “They’re very clear so players and coaches should know the rules, particularly Rule 12 and its variations. If they aren’t able to play within the rules, ultimately, they will be sitting and watching games like you and me and watching games from outside the stadiums of their NFL team.
“At the end of day, if they are not willing to make the adjustment, we’re not backing off this because we know how important it is for all concerned.”
As NBC’s Tony Dungy told us earlier in the day, it will take a suspension to truly get the attention of a player and, more importantly, folks like his head coach, who won’t be inclined to compel a change in behavior based only on fines.