Steelers OLB James Harrison looking into recouping fines from earlier in NFL career

You know it was only a matter of time. When news broke of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady winning his appeal in federal court, other players who feel they have been wronged by Roger Goodell and the NFL would be following the lead paved by No. 12. Who might be the next person in line with a rebuttal? None other than Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker, and vocal Goodell hater, James Harrison.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Harrison joked about recouping some of his lost fine money while speaking with the media recently. Although many of the reporters thought Harrison was simply joking around, Fowler spoke to Harrison's agent who confirmed they are speaking with the NFLPA about the process and how it might pan out.

"Certainly there's an open door because of the courts overturning the commissioner's ability to hear his own appeals," Harrison's agent William Parise said.

Many people believe players view the Brady victory in the courtroom as a chance to undermine the near invincibility Goodell has under the collective bargaining agreement between the players and the owners.

Harrison was fined $125,000 in 2010 and was suspended for one game after a hit on then Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. Whether Harrison will be successful in his quest to get some of his money back is just a small aspect of this story. The story is players feel they now have a way to strip Goodell of some of his power by using the United States judicial system.