Patriots reportedly were warned before NFL levied offseason punishment
The New England Patriots reportedly very easily could have avoided losing two organized team activities practices for violating the NFL’s rules around the offseason workout program. The Patriots were warned about their infraction then committed it again, leading to the NFL’s discipline, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported Saturday. “One other thing to add here—the @NFLPA […]
The New England Patriots reportedly very easily could have avoided losing two organized team activities practices for violating the NFL’s rules around the offseason workout program.
The Patriots were warned about their infraction then committed it again, leading to the NFL’s discipline, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported Saturday.
“One other thing to add here—the @NFLPA did have a rep in Foxboro doing regular offseason surveillance and the @Patriots did get a warning on this matter. After being told to knock it off, it happened again in the days to follow, and the penalty was levied.”
The offseason workout program is voluntary until mandatory minicamp, and “NFL rules state that only 4 hours each day can come at the direction of the team during that phase of the offseason program,” per Breer.
Patriots offensive players were scheduled to arrive at 7:30 a.m., and defensive players were scheduled to arrive at 9 a.m. The Patriots had special teams workshops scheduled for 7:10 a.m. for offensive players and 8:40 a.m. for defensive players, per Breer, via a letter sent from the NFL to New England.
Patriots assistant Joe Judge reportedly was at the heart of the matter, and head coach Bill Belichick was fined $50,000.
The violations were on May 1, 2 and 4, per Breer, who noted, “Schedule given to players didn't have notice of the workshops on them (only a corkboard outside the locker room did).”
It still seems harsh for New England to lose two OTAs practices for in a meeting violation, rather than any impermissible contact on the field, but the Patriots reportedly were warned and should have known better.
The Patriots will hold their next OTAs practice session Wednesday, May 31.
