Steelers: James Harrison vs. the NFL

Forget the Steelers and Bengals rivalry, the most anticipated battle this season is shaping up to be between James Harrison and the NFL.

Last week the NFL informed some of their players as well as their union that they intended on interviewing them as part of an investigation about possible violations of the league’s performance enhancement substance policy in relation to an Al-Jazeera America report released that named Harrison among several other players linked to a pharmacist who provided banned substances.

The letter was strongly worded and indicated a lack of cooperation on part of the players who include Harrison, Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews and Mike Neal so far in the investigation. The letter from the NFL leaves out any mention of Peyton Manning, who was most prominently featured in the Al-Jazeera America report.

The NFL’s letter also leaves out one major point in which Harrison and the NFLPA would like to be addressed. The fact that the Charlie Sly, the pharmacist who was recorded in the report admitting to provide these players with PED’s, has recanted every single word of it.

The NFL, under the CBA, is allowed to investigate and compel its players to cooperate with investigations and can discipline players for violations of the drug policy if they’ve found “credible, documented evidence.”

Last night via Instagram, James Harrison voiced his concerns.

So the showdown is set. James Harrison requests the attendance of Roger Goodell during his interview and I feel like it should be televised. With Harrison’s willingness to be open enough to want to video his drug tests, I wouldn’t put it passed him to set up a camera somewhere for this meeting.

Even though Goodell has been able to finally get Tom Brady’s suspension reinstated for the time being he, and his authority have been made to look rather impotent lately with each appeal won by a player.

Harrison is openly messing with Goodell because he can. I feel like it’s a clear sign of Harrison’s innocence because why would he do this if he couldn’t ultimately prove he did nothing wrong? He’s 38-years old for crying out loud. If he had anything to hide from these allegations he could’ve just retired like Manning did.

Even with the absence of being able to make “ball” jokes this is set up to be way more entertaining than Deflategate ever was and I hope it continues to be.

Next: Steelers Heyward and Tuitt the NFL's new sack-leading duo?

I’m pretty anxious over Deebo vs. Goodell at the Harrison household no less. I wonder what kind of snacks you serve for that kind of meeting?