[E Rocc]

The reason the story hasn’t “gotten legs outside of Pittsburgh” is because pretty much everyone not beholden to the black and yellow feels that while the hit on Cribbs (Harrison’s college teammate) was questionable but probably legal, the hit on Massaquoi was a textbook example of a violation of the helmet to helmet rule. Harrison’s crowing about knocking out Cribbs didn’t help his cause either.

[chopperman]

Massaquoi was responsible for what happened to him. He went flying, over the middle, right at a practically stationary Harrison. All Harrison did was stand his ground.

[grania]

The reason the story hasn’t “gotten legs outside of Pittsburgh” is because pretty much everyone not beholden to the black and yellow feels that while the hit on Cribbs (Harrison’s college teammate) was questionable but probably legal, the hit on Massaquoi was a textbook example of a violation of the helmet to helmet rule. Harrison’s crowing about knocking out Cribbs didn’t help his cause either.

It was the intent. Josh Cribbs is sports god to Cleveland fans, for his hard play and connection to the fans. Those hits were much more than part of normal hard play; they were about taking out the two players that could most lead the Browns to victory.

[hometoroost]

"the hit on Massaquoi was a textbook example of a violation of the helmet to helmet rule."

It's pretty hard to have a classic violation of the helmet to helmet rule when Harrison's helmet didn't hit Massaquoi's. Watch the replay. Harrison's helmet goes in beside Massaquoi's helmet. The blow is delivered high on Massaquoi because Massaquoi was going down to chase the ball. If he remains upright he takes a shot in the chest.

The hit on Cribbs was legal and it's hard to call a bang-bang play like that questionable. Harrison is a tough guy and he hits hard but he's not a head hunter like so many others are.