The Big Hits

A great deal of attention has been focused on the three players fined by the NFL for illegal hits during their games last Sunday.

LB James Harrison of the Steelers, who was fined $75,000 said he is contemplating retirement because he no longer knows how he is suppose to play defense. That might be a bit of an over-reaction on his part.

The NFL is part of the problem. Various shows on television show big hits every week. The league sells videos of memorable hits. The hitting and violence are part of the culture of the game.

The league is trying to protect players by tweaking some of the rules. That is a good idea. Kids do what the pros do.

We have created a culture where players believe the most important thing to do is to made a huge hit and get on Sports Center.

I'm not sure how you go about changing that mind set.