NFL Helmet to Helmet Hits Regulations

Steelers linebacker James Harrison spoke his thoughts at meeting with Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner, concerning tighter enforcement of hazardous hits. Teammate Troy Polamalu criticizes policy as causing paranoia throughout the pro league.

Steelers linebacker James Harrison had been intimidating to retire soon after being slapped having a $75,000 fine by the NFL for a helmet hit to Browns wide receiver Moahamed Massquoi on October 17. He was fined $25,000 more than other players who had been also fined, as his hit was deemed to have been a habit. Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather and Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson had been fined $50,000 each for helmet to helmet hits.

Commissioner Goodell requested the meeting with Harrison immediately after one of his worst games against Miami. The meeting was held at NFL headquarters in New York on a Steelers day off. The two met to ensure that Harrison could clarify his side in the story and also the two could come to a much better understanding with the league rules.

The fine is becoming appealed by Harrison, who had been also fined an additional $5,000 for slamming Vince Young, the Tennessee Titans quarterback, for the ground on September 19 through a game against the Titans. Furthmore, he could face additonal fines for a late hit for the duration of the game against the Saints.

Harrison’s position is that Massquoi ducked his head and initiated the contact that Harrison was later fined for. But Harrison will have difficulty arguing his point, as two hits against the Browns resulted in concussions.  Just how much of an effect do such hits have on football odds when players finish up with concussions and maintain playing but carry out below their potential, or need to take time off on the injured list?

Harrison’s teammate Polomalu is even more dismissive in the NFL rule, arguing that the commissioner has too much control more than the players and that executives of the teams ought to have more say in determining fines against players. He also argues that there is widespread paranoia inside the league consequently with the stricter enforcement, and fears that a watered down game will shed reputation in Europe, a industry the NFL is marketing to aggressively. Having said that, Polamalu stated that a meeting between himself as well as the NFL commissioner wouldn’t solve something.

Will additional hesitant defensive lines have a noticeable effect on sportsbook odds, particularly for teams heavily reliant on their defenses to win games?

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