Patriots: Bill Belichick fined after Joe Judge caused offseason violations
While the New England Patriots appeared to have only committed a minor infraction, there has been some significant discipline enforced by the NFL for their actions. Along with losing two organized team activities sessions, Bill Belichick was fined $50,000 for violating offseason practice violations, Boston Business Journal's Greg A. Bedard first reported. Multiple sources have […]
While the New England Patriots appeared to have only committed a minor infraction, there has been some significant discipline enforced by the NFL for their actions.
Along with losing two organized team activities sessions, Bill Belichick was fined $50,000 for violating offseason practice violations, Boston Business Journal's Greg A. Bedard first reported. Multiple sources have since confirmed the report.
Yet, more information has come to light with one coach at the center of the violations.
Referred to as the Patriots' special teams coach in the league documents, Joe Judge had conducted special teams meetings that caused days in the facility to last longer than the maximum four hours. Both offensive and defensive players were involved in the meetings.
Bedard added that the NFLPA first filed the complaint on May 4, discussing the meeting violations, but it was amended on May 9, specifying that Judge had directed the players to remain in the facility longer than is allowed.
The NFL said that the Patriots complied with the situation and that there were no other violations.
The next scheduled OTAs session is set for Wednesday, May 31, and reporters will be able to attend.
At first, reporters were granted access to three sessions on May 25, June 2, and June 8, but media will have access to only two sessions now. Reporters will be on hand on May 31 and June 6, with the Patriots holding closed sessions on June 2, 5, 8, and 9. Teams are required to open every third practice to reporters.
Following OTAs, media will be permitted to attend the three days of mandatory minicamp from June 12-14, but it would come as no surprise if the Patriots canceled a session — a move they have done in the past.
Hopefully, this is the end of the Patriots' NFL league violation saga.
Featured Image via Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
