NFL trims $25,000 off James Harrison fine

2010-12-30 16:01:00 PST Pittsburgh, PA 15122, United States — (12-30) 16:01 PST Pittsburgh (AP) --

The NFL has reduced the fine levied on Steelers linebacker James Harrison for his Oct. 17 hit on Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi from $75,000 to $50,000.

The league's appeals officer, Ted Cottrell, reduced the fine because he said Harrison understands the player safety rules and has made an effort to adjust his technique to play within those rules. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell supported the reduction.

Harrison's four fines this season for dangerous hits now total $100,000.

Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, also plans to appeal a $25,000 fine Harrison was assessed for a hit on Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on Nov. 28.

Harrison sidelined both Massaquoi and returner-wide receiver Joshua Cribbs with hits that caused concussions. He was not fined for the Cribbs hit. The teams meet again Sunday in Cleveland.