James Harrison: NFL's Biggest Villain Shouldn't Be Suspended

The NFL is considering suspending Pittsburgh Steelers villain James Harrison for his controversial hit on Colt McCoy, but I think a hefty fine is punishment enough.

Yes, Harrison is the league's biggest helmet-to-helmet offender. And yes, he doesn't seem to care about getting fined. But a one or two game suspension would be too harsh for this hit.

Helmet-to-helmet hits on quarterbacks are illegal, unless he tucks the ball and runs out of the pocket. McCoy did just this and Harrison closed in on him.

Just before crossing the line of scrimmage, McCoy flipped the ball out to his running back. At this point, he was no longer a runner. Harrison didn't care, leading with his head anyway. He crushed McCoy, who had to leave the game for a few plays.

Based on the league's current rules, it was undoubtedly a dirty play. However, it doesn't warrant a suspension.

The NFL has made so many rule changes to limit defensive players aggressiveness, treating quarterbacks like they're made of glass.

These guys have been playing football for 20-plus years. At that point, hitting someone has become instinctual. You don't think about whether you're going to hit them with your helmet or not.

You see quarterback, you hit quarterback. It's that simple.

The league can't suspend defenders for doing what they've been taught to do for years.

Yes, Harrison made a pretty dirty play. And the NFL should hit his wallet as hard as he hit McCoy. But a suspension is just unnecessary.