JAMES HARRISON IS IN LINE FOR A FINE

The NFL recently clarified its rules regarding criticism of officials -- both via a memo sent to all teams and by smacking Saints coach Sean Payton and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones with fines. Now, a player is in line for a letter from the league requesting a sizable involuntary donation to the Human Fund. On Sunday night in Jacksonville, Steelers linebacker James Harrison drew a roughing the passer penalty for an apparently clean post-throw hit on Jags quarterback David Garrard. Even John Madden, who in his golden years has in many ways assumed the mantle of Joey Sunshine, thought it was a bad call. Harrison agreed. And, after the game, he said so. “Ridiculous call,” Harrison said. “You don’t make a call like that. Unless [the official] might have money on it.” Uh. Oh. In early 2006, former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter suggested that the officials were trying to hand a playoff game to the Colts. We inquired with the league office whether a fine would be forthcoming, and we were told that Porter wouldn’t be fined, because coaches and other front office types are held to a higher standard than the players. That ill-advised approach changed last year, when three Ravens defensive players drew fines for publicly questioning the integrity of the officiating in a Monday night loss that extended the Patriots record to 12-0. Last month, the league office informed us that the rule against criticizing officials could be violated only by making personal attacks or questioning the integrity of the officiating. Thereafter came the memo making clear to all 30 NFL franchises (and the Lions and Raiders) that no public criticism is permitted. Under either standard, Harrison crossed the line, and he should be fined. That said, it was a ridiculous call. You don’t make a call like that. Unless the official might have money on it.