Coach Harbaugh Calls NFL Discipline 'Work In Progress'
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Ed Reed's $55,000 fine for a hit near the head in last week's is evidence of an imperfect system, Reed's coach said on Friday.
Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh was asked if Reed's punishment fit the penalty he was called for, which was for a hit near Giants' wide receiver Victor Cruz's head and neck area.
Replays showed Reed lower his shoulder into Cruz, connecting first with his chest. Reed's shoulder then made contact with Cruz's facemask and drew a 15-yard penalty.
"The system is not perfect, although the motivation is correct and the idea is right," Harbaugh said. "It's still a work in progress. I know our guys are doing everything they can, and I'm proud of our guys, to try to play within the rules and respect player safety. Sometimes it's easier said than done, but they are doing their best."
A month ago, Reed was fined $50,000 for a hit to the head against Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders. Initially, Reed was suspended for a game but won his appeal, which reduced his punishment to the fine.
Reed was also fined $21,000 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Patriots receiver Deion Branch in Week 3.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
