Linebacker to retire due to rule enforcement?

James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers was permitted to skip practice today, after informing Coach Mike Tomlin that he is considering retirement. The reasons for his sudden thoughts on retirement: the $75,000 fine he was assessed for Mohamed Massaquoi of the Cleveland Browns, and his thought that he will not be able to play football under the current rules. His exact quote, as told to the Fox Sports Radio program 'Into the Night with Tony Bruno' was: I'm going to sit down and have a serious conversation with my coach tomorrow and see if I can actually play by NFL rules and still be effective," Harrison told guest host Judy McDonald. "If not, I may have to give up playing football."

According to the NFL rulebook, rule 12, 2, 7g bans "using any part of a player's helmet (including the top/crown and forehead/hairline parts) or facemask to butt, spear, or ram an opponent violently or unnecessarily," and also states, "violent or unnecessary use of the helmet is impermissible against any opponent." This is not a new rule; it presently exists and was on the books prior to Sunday's action. This rule applies to ANY player, including the ball carrier, or the intended target of a pass. As such, Harrison's hit was in direct violation of the rule.

To state that he might not be able to play if the rule is enforced in simply nothing more than an attempt to cover his actions. Hits such as the one that he put on Massaquoi can leave a person paralysed (just ask Darryl Stingley - here's a video for those that haven't seen that hit to watch it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1lYWg0_Yz8 ).

There is nothing wrong with enforcing a rule that is already on the books. There is nothing wrong with attempting to prevent hits that can literally cripple a player for life. But there is a lot wrong with an NFL linebacker, whose career has been during a time with that existing rule being on the books, questioning his ability to play when that rule is enforced. Stop trying to be a drama queen like Brett Favre. Play football as it was meant to be played, and by the letter of the rules.