Tomlin supports tougher penalties on helmet hits

[October 20, 2010]  PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Steelers coach Mike Tomlin favors the NFL's stricter enforcement of helmet hits. But he still insists linebacker James Harrison's violent hit on Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi was within the rules.

The NFL is reviewing whether Harrison's concussion-causing hit on Massaquoi warrants a fine or suspension. The league said Tuesday it will immediately begin suspending players for dangerous and flagrant hits, particularly those involving helmets.

Harrison sidelined Browns receivers Massaquoi and Joshua Cribbs with concussions on separate hits about seven minutes apart in the second quarter of the Steelers' 28-10 victory Sunday. Harrison slammed into the left side of Cribbs' helmet. The NFL deemed the hit legal because Cribbs was a runner.

[Associated Press; By ALAN ROBINSON]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.