PITTSBURGH, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The National Football League has reduced a fine against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison for an illegal hit.
The league Thursday cut Harrison's fine from $75,000 to $50,000 for his Oct. 17 hit on Cleveland wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, even though he lost his appeal, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.
Massaquoi suffered a concussion.
"We're very pleased with the reduction and it's a good step in the right direction," said Harrison's agent, Bill Parise.
Harrison was fined four times this season for a total of $125,000. Next week, Parise will appeal a $25,000 fine on Harrison for a Nov. 28 hit against Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
The league also has reduced fines against Atlanta's Dunta Robinson, from $50,000 to $25,000, and New England's Brandon Meriwether, from $50,000 to $40,000.
Appeals officer Ted Cottrell "reduced the fines because the players said they understood the rules and have made efforts to adjust their techniques to play within the rules that protect player safety," the NFL said.
