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The New England Patriots were docked two OTA practices last week, and while the punishment was severe in nature, it could have been much worse. Bill Belichick was fined $50,000 in addition to the two practice sessions missed.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss expanded on this a little bit in his Sunday notes column. He indicated that while the Patriots did suffer punishment, it could have been much worse.
This news comes as New England is looking to rebound from a difficult season last year and make it back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2021 season. This could be a big year for the organization, as several changes have already taken place within the coaching staff and the offensive side of football.
Reiss expanded on what the punishment could have been in his column:
The NFL also could have fined Belichick as much as $100,000 but instead chose $50,000. The league could have additionally fined the Patriots’ organization (paid by ownership) but didn’t do so. While that could be related in part to the Patriots’ cooperation with the investigation, it more decisively reflects, in the view of some around the NFL, how the violation was primarily about carelessness/lack of attention to detail on the day an NFL Players Association staff member was visiting as part of standard operating procedure.
New England will be allowed to take the field again on Wednesday, as reporters will also be in attendance for the first time this offseason.
The Patriots will have an opportunity to continue working on installing a new offense under Bill O’Brien with the team set to face the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 regular season opener.
Let’s just hope they can continue to do so without any future infractions.
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