NFL takes aim at Cowboys, other teams with latest memo on fights
On Sunday, the NFL took aim at all teams that have been recently involved with pregame fights, including the Dallas Cowboys, with a memo sent to every team in the league. The memo, reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, included the following key points, per the insider: Teams must warm up inside their own 45-yard […]
On Sunday, the NFL took aim at all teams that have been recently involved with pregame fights, including the Dallas Cowboys, with a memo sent to every team in the league.
The memo, reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, included the following key points, per the insider:
- Teams must warm up inside their own 45-yard line.
- Players can be disqualified for actions that happen pregame.
- Video will be used to determine if pregame actions warrant discipline after the fact.
It's worth noting this isn't a change of rules from the NFL. If anything it's a warning and a reminder. Officiating crews officially have jurisdiction 100 minutes before kickoff. Ejections can happen pregame. Perhaps the point that sticks out the most is the fact that the league can use replay to determine if and/or which player(s) should be ejected.
The memo came after there were several incidents in Week 6. Perhaps the most viral was the skirmish the Cowboys were a part of in the moments leading up to Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers.
As the Cowboys took the field for warmups, they passed through a group of Chargers players. In the video you can see Dorance Armstrong and Mazi Smith shoving players before Sam Williams, Dante Fowler, and others join the heated exchange.
In an overhead shot, Cowboys DE Dante Fowler Jr. visibly punches Chargers RB Austin Ekeler, whose helmet goes flying off. According to Mark Maske from The Washington Post, the NFL didn't fine any player despite the memo.
If something like it happens again, not only could a player be facing a fine but even an ejection from the game before kickoff.
The San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns were also involved in a pregame scuffle last week. It'll be interesting to see if the NFL goes without any such incident on Sunday.
One thing is for sure: This time, the Cowboys won't be involved as they're on a bye week. In Week 8, they'll take on the Los Angeles Rams, who are taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers today.
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