PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania (AFP) – James Harrison, a Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, was fined 25,000 dollars for a hit on Buffalo quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, giving Harrison four fines for 125,000 dollars this year.
The latest fine for an illegal hit announced Tuesday came for Harrison being whistled for roughing the passer last Sunday when officials ruled that the Pittsburgh defensive stalwart hit Fitzpatrick with his helmet.
Harrison said he had not expected to be fined because the hit was similar to one earlier in the season on Oakland quarterback Jason Campbell that drew a penalty flag but no fine from the NFL.
"It was the same exact hit. I hit him the same way I did the quarterback from Oakland and I got the same flag but I didn't get a fine."
Harrison was fined 20,000 dollars four weeks ago for a late hit on New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees in a 20-10 loss to the reigning Super Bowl champions.
The heftiest punishment was the 75,000-dollar fine incurred for an October 17 helmet hit that gave Cleveland receiver Mohamed Massaquoi concussion.
The NFL also hit Harrison with a 5,000-dollar fine on September 19 for a hard hit on Tennessee quarterback Vince Young.
The Steelers visit Baltimore next Sunday in a matchup of 8-3 clubs to decide the AFC North division lead.