The National Football League announced a series of large monetary penalties this week, highlighting the league’s continued effort to enforce its rules on and off the field. The most prominent sanction involved the Dallas Cowboys and the New Orleans Saints, each fined $500,000 after a joint practice turned violent, with multiple players and staff members involved in a physical altercation.
Additional team and personnel fines
Other notable fines include a $200,000 penalty against the New York Giants for violating concussion protocol. Head coach Brian Daboll was fined $100,000 and rookie running back Cam Skattebo received a $15,000 fine for speaking to quarterback Jaxson Dart before his concussion evaluation was completed.
Owner Jerry Jones of the Cowboys was fined $250,000 for making an obscene gesture during a win over the New York Jets. Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was assessed a $300,000 fine after a video showed him throwing a drink at fans in Jacksonville.
The Washington Commanders faced the league’s largest single fine in this list: $10 million after an independent investigation found the organization’s workplace environment “highly unprofessional,” particularly toward women.
COVID‑19 protocol violations
The New Orleans Saints were fined $500,000 and lost a 2021 seventh‑round draft pick for breaching the league’s COVID‑19 protocols. The New England Patriots were also penalized $350,000 for similar violations.
During the pandemic, several coaches were fined for not wearing masks on the sideline. Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and Saints head coach Sean Payton each received $100,000 fines, and their clubs were collectively fined $250,000. Additional fines were issued to Denver coach Vic Fangio, San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan and Seattle’s Pete Carroll for comparable infractions.
Payton was later fined $150,000, and the Saints received an additional $250,000 fine after he failed to wear a face covering properly during a Week 2 game.
Historical penalties and ownership issues
The league also referenced past penalties. The New England Patriots were fined $1 million and stripped of two draft picks for the “Deflategate” scandal, which also resulted in a four‑game suspension for quarterback Tom Brady at the start of the 2016 season.
In 2016, Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams was fined six figures for violating the league’s majority‑ownership rules. The same year, the franchise was fined $250,000 after Adams made obscene gestures while celebrating a win over Buffalo.
“Spygate” led to a $500,000 fine for then‑Patriots coach Bill Belichick, a $250,000 fine for the New England Patriots, and the loss of a first‑round draft pick in 2007 for illegally recording opposing teams’ signals.
Disciplinary actions beyond fines
Beyond monetary penalties, the NFL imposed suspensions related to the “Bountygate” scandal. Saints head coach Sean Payton received a one‑season suspension without pay, general manager Mickey Loomis was suspended eight games, and assistant head coach Joe Vitt missed six games. The Saints also forfeited second‑round draft picks in the 2012 and 2013 drafts, and former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was suspended for the 2012 season.
These fines and suspensions underscore the league’s commitment to maintaining player safety, professional conduct, and adherence to health protocols. While the penalties vary in size, each reflects the NFL’s broader strategy to deter future violations and protect the integrity of the sport.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
