:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49965761/usa-today-8789949.0.jpg)
Another day and another conflict with the NFL's process of handling punishments, though this one would definitely would be classified as abnormal. Normally the process is scrutinized after some sort of punishment was levied out, this time a player is making demands before even meeting with the Commish.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison was named in an Al-Jazeera report along with other notable NFL players like Peyton Manning, Clay Matthews III, and Julius Peppers for alleged steroid use. The NFL now, months later and after Manning has retired from the league, would like to interview Harrison about the report even though the accuser has long since recanted his statements.
As one might expect if you have even a glancing knowledge of James Harrison and his long list of run in's with the NFL disciplinary process, this has not set well with the hard (and not always clean) hitting linebacker. He has since labeled the NFL as a bully and has laid forth his demands for any such meeting to take place.
I certainly don't blame Harrison for wanting the NFL to do things a certain way and be more transparent in the process, but I am not sure he realizes that he doesn't have much say in the way the NFL operates. What could his response even be if they say no to his demands?
He doesn't exactly have a lot of leverage on the league. He could retire, but that really only costs himself money where as the NFL probably would celebrate his leaving. It will be interesting to see what the NFL's response to this will be, but I would most sincerely doubt it will be "Sure, we will be right over".
James Harrison of Pittsburgh Steelers says NFL meeting must be at his house with commissioner Roger Goodell
James Harrison wrote in an Instagram post late Sunday that his meeting with NFL investigators must take place at his house and that commissioner Roger Goodell must attend.
Who can blame James Harrison for not trusting the NFL?
James Harrison appears not to trust the NFL to handle its investigation into reported performance-enhancing drug use fairly.
Steelers LB James Harrison gives NFL list of demands - NY Daily News
James Harrison finds himself in yet another battle with the NFL.
Other stories from around the AFC West
Denver Broncos
For the Broncos’ Emmanuel Sanders, focus on nutrition vital to staying on the field – The Denver Post
Sanders has one year left on his contract, and his agent and the Broncos have begun negotiations on a new deal.
Broncos’ 53-man roster projection presents a few surprises – The Denver Post
With a month until the start of training camp, the Broncos' 53-man roster is forming. Training camp will feature highly competitive battles for starting jobs and final roster spots. Denver Post reporter Cameron Wolfe analyzes what the roster might look like in early September:
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers need to quit being dumb and sign Joey Bosa - SBNation.com
The Chargers are arguing over something that there's no need to argue about. They're just being cheap.
AFC West Q&A: Can San Diego Chargers' Melvin Gordon log 1,000 yards - San Diego Chargers Blog- ESPN
Melvin Gordon's chances to hit 1,000 yards rushing coming off microfracture surgery don't seem too good, especially on a pass-first Chargers team.
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs could have another comeback player of the year candidate in 2016 - Arrowhead Pride
Jamaal Charles, anyone?
Maybe the Kansas City Chiefs No. 2 WR isn’t as important as we think - Arrowhead Pride
A little? Maybe?
Other stories from around the NFL
NFL offseason is a disaster for rookies, players on roster bubble
For the most part, the NFL has changed for the better. But the offseason rules in place in the CBA dramatically affect how young players -- no matter where they were drafted -- can develop.
Austin, San Antonio ripe for an NFL team, economist says - Austin Business Journal
Las Vegas leaders have rolled out a new NFL stadium concept to lukewarm responses. What would happen if the Austin-San Antonio corridor landed a pro football team instead? A prominent California economist weighs in.
Loading comments...