Homepage > Pittsburgh News

Fan Slam: Harrison Pancakes On-Field Intruder

POSTED: 9:12 am EST December 26, 2005
UPDATED: 5:55 pm EST December 26, 2005

A Cleveland fan found out the hard way what his favorite team already knows: It's not a good idea to mess with a Pittsburgh linebacker.

About six minutes into the fourth quarter of Saturday's Steelers-Browns game, the fan jumped a railing and sprinted onto the field at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

With his pants falling down, the man jumped around, waved his hands in the air and moved toward Pittsburgh's bench -- until James Harrison snatched him from behind, took him down in a WWE-style move and pinned him to the turf.

As the fan pawed at Harrison's face mask, several police officers cuffed the uninvited guest and took him away.

"I thought I was the biggest outlaw in Cleveland," said teammate Joey Porter, who traded blows with Browns running back William Green in a pregame fight last year. "I told him (Harrison), if you get fined, guys will chip in, because that was a laugh I'm going to remember forever."

Harrison said he was trying to protect running back Verron Haynes, who was lined up in the Steelers' backfield and nearly came into contact with the fan.

"I didn't know if the guy had anything on him or whatever," Harrison said. "I waited until he turned his back to me. Then I thought I could take him down safely and hold him until the authorities got there."

NFL officials have yet to comment on the incident.

Links We Like

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

You can pick your friends, but not your family -- or your neighbors. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with yours. More

It was bound to happen. There are now applications for your cell phone that can help you avoid speeding tickets as well as traffic jams. Drive carefully. More

Are you often tired or rushed in the morning? Give your morning habits a makeover, and start the day feeling positive and energetic instead. More

Consumer Info


Sponsored Content Provided by ARA

Sponsored Links