NFL upholds Harrison suspension

NEW YORK, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The NFL on Friday upheld a suspension of Pittsburgh's James Harrison, meaning the linebacker will miss the Steelers' game Monday at San Francisco.

Harrison was given a one-game suspension without pay -- estimated to cost him about $75,000 -- for a hit against Cleveland quarterback Colt McCoy.

McCoy was moving to his left and tossed a pass just before Harrison hit him in the facemask with the top of his helmet. Game officials called a roughing-the-passer penalty on Harrison.

McCoy finished the game but was later diagnosed as having a concussion. He hasn't practiced with the Browns this week and is expected to be out of the lineup for Sunday's game versus Arizona.

That penalty was Harrison's fifth illegal hit on a quarterback in the last three seasons. The number of penalties labels him a repeat offender, which drew the suspension.

A hearing on Harrison's appeal of that the decision was heard Wednesday with the NFL upholding the suspension Friday.

He will be allowed to rejoin the team next Tuesday.