The NFL sent a memo to all teams about pre-game fighting in Week 6. What does it say?
While a tussle or two is not uncommon, prior to games they are. The NFL has indicated that there will be consequences should the behavior become a trend.
As they did with gambling, the NFL appears to once again be taking a no-tolerance stance with an issue that has come up recently. How teams respond to the communique that has been sent remains to be seen, but the league has spoken.
The NFL intends to nip the problem in the bud
The NFL’s Week 6 saw multiple fights break out between teams prior to the start of their games, something that the NFL has now made clear it will not stand for. According to reports, the league sent a memo to all 32 teams following last week’s round of games in which it highlighted the rules related to pregame altercations and the consequences if said rules are not followed. It is understood that from now on teams will warm up behind their own 45-yard line. Should any player’s failure to do so result in a fight, they could face disqualification from the game and/or punishment.
“Sportsmanship and respect are at the core of NFL football, and fighting is irreconcilable with these values,” the memo reads. “Fighting is never acceptable, as it risks unnecessary injury to players, coaches, officials, and other game day personnel. These actions send an inappropriate and unacceptable message to players, coaches, and fans at all other levels of the game.”
What fights occurred in NFL Week 6?
The first issue that occurred was prior to the San Francisco 49ers’s game against the Cleveland Browns. The teams came together and began to engage in shoving and shouting before the start of their Week 6 game. There was no official word on what exactly caused the altercation, but video of the incident appeared to show San Francisco’s wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk in the middle of it all, along with offensive tackle Trent Williams. Ultimately, no players were expelled from the game, however, game officials made a point to closely observe the sideline for the entirety of the game.
Just one day later, things were decidedly worse when the Dallas Cowboys took on the Los Angeles Chargers, as punches were actually thrown. Truthfully, as much as football is a physical sport and can result in fights, it’s not often that we see skirmishes even before a game has started. The league does indeed have cause for concern and so, it’s now up to teams to take the necessary internal steps to prevent such situations as well.