James Harrison: "Lol" Tweet No Laughing Matter for Pittsburgh Steelers LB

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison’s recent "Lol" tweet is no laughing matter.

Harrison tweeted "Lol" or “laugh out loud” in response to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspending him from the Steelers’ upcoming Monday Night Football game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Harrison’s suspension stemmed from the four-time Pro Bowler’s vicious helmet-to-facemask hit on Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy last Thursday night. Clobbering McCoy marked the fifth time in three years that the NFL cited Harrison for an illegal hit on an opposing quarterback. In addition, the NFL has previously fined the outspoken Harrison twice for unnecessary roughness.

Harrison will miss a $73,529 payday for his one-game suspension. However, he certainly won’t miss any media attention. The intimidating Harrison’s questionable on-field play and his immature off-field three-letter tweet will continue being the focus of sports talk shows, bar-room banter and blogs until Monday’s Steelers-49ers kickoff on ESPN.

ESPN’s Michael Wilbon eloquently stated on PTI last night that “there’s a new order and a new rule” and Harrison needs to understand that the NFL is adamant about enhancing player safety by enacting new reforms to mitigate injuries and guard against concussions.

However, Harrison’s casual attitude about the suspension and mocking comments about the commissioner have alienated him from some NFL fans and most league officials for not taking the NFL’s push for player safety more seriously. Commissioner Goodell is justified in suspending Harrison and hitting him hard in his wallet for his dangerous play.

And, if Harrison doesn’t heed the new safety rules once he returns from a one-week hiatus, expect the commissioner to hammer him harder than any steel girder in an old Pittsburgh mill and more forcefully than any hit the Steelers linebacker could possibly ever inflict on a football field.

If James Harrison continues straddling the line between clean and dirty play on the football field and mocking the NFL’s new player safety rules, I doubt that this Steelers linebacker will be laughing at all as he watches future NFL games from the comfort of his living room or in a neighborhood bar.

MIKE—thee ultimate talking head on sports! Lol.

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