Chargers’ Harrison lands suspension

San Diego San Diego Chargers strong safety Rodney Harrison is used to dealing out punishing hits. On Thursday, the NFL hit back.

Harrison was suspended without pay for one game by NFL disciplinarian Gene Washington for his third rules violation in two seasons, a helmet-to-helmet hit on Oakland’s Jerry Rice last Sunday.

The Chargers plan to appeal. If the appeal is denied, the Pro Bowler stands to lose $111,764 1/17th of his base pay, which is listed as $1.9 million on the NFL Players Association’s Web site.

San Diego, leading the AFC at 6-1, is idle this weekend and hosts the New York Jets on Nov. 3. Harrison, who’s been fined about $100,000 for various hits during his nine-year career, refused comment as he left the Chargers’ complex after practice. Asked whether he feels he’s a marked man, he smiled, rolled up his car window and drove away.

Later, he issued this statement through the team: “I’m disappointed, but once we go through the appeal process, I’m confident it will be overturned.”

“I have looked at it very, very closely and one thing I am certain of is that it was not a foul, it has never been a foul, nor will it ever be a foul under the current playing rules,” coach Marty Schottenheimer said.

Chandler to start against Vikings

Lake Forest, Ill. The Chicago Bears turned to quarterback Chris Chandler for the second consecutive week Thursday, naming him the starter after trainers ruled out Jim Miller.

Miller has tendinitis in his throwing shoulder and elbow. He practiced with the first team Wednesday, but the injury flared up. Miller likely will serve as backup quarterback Sunday against Minnesota.

Miller has gone 104-of-177 for 1,217 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Chandler went 16-of-25 for 163 yards with a touchdown and interception in a loss to Detroit last week.

Billionaire Lerner loved by Browns

Berea, Ohio Al Lerner wasn’t just a signature on a paycheck or the guy who occasionally waltzed through the Cleveland Browns’ locker room.

Sure, he was a billionaire. But Lerner, who died Wednesday night following a long illness, was much more than an owner to his football team. The Browns saw him as a father figure, a friend and a leader.

“He wouldn’t just shake your hand and walk away,” cornerback Corey Fuller said Wednesday. “He didn’t have an attitude. He respected you. He cared for you. And, he loved you.”

The 69-year-old Lerner, a straight-talking businessman who bought the expansion Browns in 1998, died at the Cleveland Clinic.