NEW YORK (AP) - The NFL has taken down photos that were for sale of illegal hits that earned players large fines.
An outside vendor used an automated process to post pictures online for fans to buy, the league said Wednesday, but the system would be changed to prevent photos of illegal hits from appearing in the future.
Three defensive players were fined Tuesday after a series of violent hits in Sunday’s games raised concerns that the NFL’s disciplinary policy wasn’t doing enough to prevent head injuries. The league now plans to start suspending players for particularly dangerous hits.
Steelers linebacker James Harrison, who was fined $75,000, said Wednesday morning he was aware of the photos.
“I guess they want to get their money on the front end and the back end,” he complained in an interview with Sirius XM’s “Mad Dog Radio.”
New England Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather and Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson were docked $50,000 each.
“We regret the mistake,” the NFL said in a statement. “The photos have been taken down and we will ensure that no photos of illegal plays will be available again.”
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