NFL Fines Ron Rivera $100,000 And Denies The Washington Commanders Two OTA Practices In 2023

NFL: Washington Commanders Minicamp
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

According to ESPN‘s Dan Graziano, the NFL fined Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera $100,000 and suspended the team from two OTA practices in 2023 for ‘excessive contact’ during spring workouts.

Following a request by the Commanders, the NFL Players Association analyzed practice footage on June 1 and 8 and alerted the NFL Management Council that the actions violated the collective bargaining agreement “prohibition against live contact.” 

After evaluating the processes, the Management Council approved the decision.

Outlines of the rules on the NFLPA‘s website clearly state that 1) No pads except protective knee and elbow pads, helmets are permitted, and 2)No live contact.

The fines were communicated to Washington General Manager Martin Mayhew by letter from the NFL. The letter noted that a team does this to acquire a competitive edge.

Rivera penalized defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio $100,000 last week for comments equating the events on Jan. 6, 2021, at the United States Capitol to rioters and looters during the summer of 2020. Del Rio’s remark about Jan. 6 being a “dustup” was a distraction for the squad, according to Rivera.

Players are not permitted to work out at the facility during the two canceled OTA practices in 2023, but all players who engage in the offseason exercise program will be compensated for those days.

Rivera was told in the letter that he needed to intervene when sessions grew too aggressive, remind players of the regulations, and “keep adequate control” over practice.

Tags:

Categorized: