Cribbs defends Harrison

Associated Press

BEREA

The NFL is demanding that Steelers linebacker James Harrison and others stop using their helmets as weapons.

And although he was the victim of Harrison’s viciousness, Browns wide receiver Joshua Cribbs had a softer message for Pittsburgh’s enforcer: “Don’t change you.”

“You’re a player, so play,” Cribbs said he told Harrison, his former Kent State teammate and close friend. “Let refs ref. Let the NFL administration, let everyone do their jobs. If you get fined, just try to tailor yourself, but play the game. Don’t try to change who you are.”

Cribbs returned to practice Friday for the first time since suffering a concussion when he was knocked out last Sunday by Harrison, who moments later flattened Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi with a blow that earned him a $75,000 fine.

Massaquoi has not yet been cleared by Cleveland’s medical staff and is unlikely to play Sunday at New Orleans.

Cribbs, who said he hasn’t experienced any concussion-related symptoms since Monday, believes he will be ready to face the Saints.

This weekend, the league will be watching closely for head-high hits following a rash of nasty shots last weekend that resulted in commissioner Roger Goodell promising to impose tougher penalties against players who lead with their helmets on tackles.

Harrison, one of the primary offenders cited by the league, was so upset by the crackdown that he considered retirement. While some of his Pittsburgh teammates didn’t take Harrison seriously, Cribbs did and urged him to stay in the game.

Cribbs knows that Harrison lowered his helmet to deliver a knockout blow.

It comes with the territory.

“In the game, you’re not saying, ‘Oh, I’m not going to hurt this guy or I’m not going to hit him like this,’” Cribbs said. “I have the football and he’s targeting on me.”

Cribbs believes he had an impact on Harrison’s decision to return to the field after a one-day absence to consider his future.

“I think it meant a lot for him to hear me tell him, ‘Hey man, go out there and play and ball out.’ And I told him as well, ‘Remember, we play ya’ll again, so don’t think I forgot.”