Steelers' Harrison speaks on fine for hit

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison says his meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell about his fine for an illegal hit was semi-productive.

Harrison is appealing the $75,000 fine levied for what the league called an illegal hit that knocked Cleveland wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi from the game at Heinz Field Oct. 17, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

No penalty was called on the play.

Tuesday's meeting was not part of Harrison's appeal of that fine. That will take place next Tuesday.

"As we have done on occasion with other players, James Harrison was given the opportunity to meet with Commissioner Goodell, Ray Anderson and Carl Johnson to discuss the rules that relate to illegal use of the helmet and hits to the head and neck," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.

Anderson is the NFL's vice president for football operations and Carl Johnson is director of officiating.

"I came away with a better understanding, and I guess they got a better understanding of how I see things," Harrison said.

"You have to adapt to some things," he said, referring to the new crackdown on such hits this season.

"Their response was I'm a defensive player and I'm responsible for what happens -- who initiates the contact, that's my responsibility. I don't know -- hopefully, we'll get a better understanding," he said.