The NFL reduced the fines of three players whose flagrant helmet-to-helmet hits that sparked debate about safety in the league.
The original fines doled out to Steelers' linebacker James Harrison, Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson and Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather for separate incidents on Oct. 17 were reduced following an appeals process, the NFL confirmed to USA Today.
Harrison was fined $75,000 for a hit on Cleveland Browns' player Mohamed Massaquoi. His penalty was reduced to $50,000.
Robinson was slapped with a $50,000 fine for a hit on Philadelphia Eagles' star DeSean Jackson. He now has to pony up $25,000.
Meriweather owed $50,000 for a hit on Baltimore Ravens' Todd Heap. His fined was reduced to $40,000.
NFL appeals officer Ted Cottrell first reduced the fines of Robinson and Meriweather then later reviewed Harrison's case, according to USA Today.
"Cottrell consulted with Commissioner Goodell about reducing Harrison's fine ... and the commissioner fully supported the decision," the NFL said in a statement to the paper. "Cottrell said he reduced the fines because the players said they understood the rules and have made efforts to adjust their techniques to play within the rules that protect player safety."
