The word “reckless” is defined in the dictionary as “not regarding consequences; irresponsible.”

James Harrison fits the description so accurately that a picture of the Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker could replace the definition.

Harrison plays football with a fiery passion and stubbornly ignores the welfare of his opponents, along with his own body.

That mentality helped turn him into the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year and a four-time Pro Bowler. He has 53 sacks in 72 games since becoming a full-time starter, but there’s two sides to every coin.

The NFL’s concern with concussions has risen at an exponential rate over the past few years, and Harrison has paid the price for his physical play with multiple fines.

It hasn’t changed the way Harrison approaches the game, though. Maybe it’s just too hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

But that doesn’t mean NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is going to stop trying.

Harrison was issued a one-game suspension on Tuesday for last week’s helmet-to-helmet hit on Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.

I don’t believe the punishment fits the crime — Harrison’s hit seemed to be more of a natural play than a malicious attempt to injure.

But I’m not surprised by the suspension, either.

Harrison was fined a total of $100,000 last season for illegal hits. Whether he likes it or not, the NFL is changing, and his style of play isn’t going to be tolerated if it comes at the expense of opposing players’ health.

While his aggression on the field is typically OK, Harrison’s audacity off the field might have earned the one-game ban as much as Thursday night’s collision.

I question the validity of a suspension, but there’s no doubting at least a fine — and probably a hefty one — was on the way. Harrison refused to acknowledge that on Monday and remained adamant he had done nothing wrong.

Will he ever learn?

Punishments aren’t handed out because the disciplinarian enjoys being mean.

Goodell, who Harrison referred to as the “devil” a “crook” during an offseason interview, is trying to make a point and Harrison refuses to even pretend taking responsibility.

The two-time All-Pro doesn’t know how to back down. He’s honest, intimidating and unapologetic, but that mindset has to change.

Even if he disagrees with the rules and interpretations, he must accept them.

Perhaps with Monday’s admission of ignorance in mind, Goodell was trying to emphasize his point in a different manner — revoking game-day privileges.

It was acceptable for Harrison to throw his body around with no concern when his bank account endured the aftermath.

Now, maybe for the first time, Harrison’s reckless ways are hurting the team — and that’s crossing the line, especially in a playoff race.

The suspension should open his eyes. It should create some humility. It should teach him a lesson.

It would be irresponsible to not regard the consequences of his actions — but that’s exactly what he’s proven to be. As a result, this will likely be his first suspension, rather than the last.

Jason Orfao is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.