NFLPA Would Have Issue With Punishment of Steelers James Harrison

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison created a stir last week with his controversial comments about the NFL commissioner and a handful of his teammates. The comments had people calling for punishment of Harrison when the NFL Lockout is lifted, but can the NFL really suspend a player for comments he has made while not officially being employed?

New Ohio State linebackers coach and former NFL player Mike Vrabel says that the NFL Players Association would have “an issue” with Harrison being fined by the league.

“I think there are things that you should be able to do and say – more importantly say,” Vrabel said. “[Harrison’s comments are] not conduct detrimental to any team other than if Mike Tomlin had an issue with the way [Harrison] was referring to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Roger’s got big shoulders. Roger understands. I would say to Roger or anybody else that had a problem with it, I would say what Bill Belichick said to us: To [those who] much is given, much is expected. And Roger is given a lot in form of compensation and being in the situation that he’s in so there’s a lot expected of him. And if that means taking the higher road and calling James and trying to figure out how to get this thing settled between them or whatever issue they have going on.”

You have to agree with Vrabel on this one. Goodell has to understand that Harrison is currently not a league employee. While Harrison’s remarks crossed the line, Goodell will have to let this one slide. I do not condone what Harrison said and I think the team should find a way to take care of the situation in house, but this is out of the NFL’s hands.