Tag: Tampering

Falcons lose 2025 draft pick for violation of anti-tampering policy

Falcons lose 2025 draft pick for violation of anti-tampering policy

The NFL handed out punishment on the Atlanta Falcons for their violation of the anti-tampering policy this offseason. Due to some logistical violations concerning things like travel related to Kirk Cousins, Darnell Mooney and Charlie Woerner, the team now must forfeit a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

There were concerns this could have been much worse for Atlanta related to their courting of Cousins He was the team’s splash signing in the offseason with a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million of that being guaranteed. The team was also fined $250,000 and general manager Jerry Fontenot was fined $50,000.

Atlanta’s punishment was mild by NFL standards but you can’t help but think they were anticipating something far worse. Evidence for that was the Falcons decision to draft former Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft despite the huge addition of Cousins. The Falcons could have been concerned more significant future draft picks might have been forfeited and they selected Penix to help plan ahead.

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Falcons release statement on NFL tampering violations

The Falcons released an official statement following the NFL’s ruling on tampering violations

The Atlanta Falcons were stripped of a 2025 fifth-round pick and fined by the NFL for tampering with quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner during free agency, the league announced on Thursday morning.

Not only was the team fined $250,000, but general manager Terry Fontenot received an additional fine of $50,000. Per the NFL’s ruling, the Falcons’ violations included “discussion of travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges took place with regard to those three players.”

The team released an official statement following the NFL’s ruling on Thursday morning:

“We are pleased this review is complete. We cooperated fully with the league and its review, and appreciate the NFL’s thoroughness. As we do with every process, we will review how we operate and look for ways to improve.“

Falcons fans were thrilled to learn the punishment was only a late-round draft pick while Vikings fans lamented the NFL’s ruling on Twitter.

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Falcons could be punished for tampering allegations ahead of draft

The Falcons could be punished for tampering allegations with QB Kirk Cousins ahead of this week’s draft

While NFL teams will never openly admit to it, tampering is rampant around the league ahead of free agency. However, teams rarely get caught because players are usually smart enough to keep their mouths shut about any illegal contact with the coaching staff or trainers.

Apparently, Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins didn’t get the memo. During his introductory press conference, Cousins admitted to talking with the team’s head athletic trainer before he was technically allowed to.

“There’s great people here,” said Cousins during his intro presser. “And it’s not just the football team. I mean, I’m looking at the support staff. Meeting, calling yesterday, calling our head athletic trainer, talking to our head of P.R.”

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Cousins’ comments quickly drew the attention of the NFL, who began an investigation into Atlanta for tampering. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Falcons could be punished as soon as this week:

The NFL’s investigation into alleged tampering charges against the Falcons for their involvement with then-free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Eagles for their involvement with then-free-agent running back Saquon Barkley is ongoing and could reach a conclusion as early as this week, per sources. Sources believe the discipline, which is likely to involve draft picks, is expected to be more severe for the Falcons. — ESPN’s Adam Schefter

Could Atlanta potentially lose a first-round pick? Schefter highlighted other recent tampering cases for reference.

The Dolphins lost a first-round pick in 2023 due to tampering with head coach Sean Payton and QB Tom Brady. The Chiefs were fined a third-round pick and a sixth-round pick for tampering with free-agent WR Jeremy Maclin back in 2015.

The Falcons were happy to land Cousins in free agency but if the 35-year-old’s loose lips wind up costing the team a first-round pick, it likely won’t sit well with fans. The first round of the 2024 NFL draft kicks off on Thursday in Detroit, Michigan.

Falcons met with 26 prospects

Falcons strength of schedule

Most likely picks at No. 8

1st-round mock draft

Falcons 7-round mock

Alabama transfer OT Kadyn Proctor says Iowa contacted him during 2023 season

Former Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor has transferred to Iowa. In a recent interview, Proctor said Hawkeyes coaches reached out to him during the season.

Former Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor recently announced his decision to transfer to Iowa after one season in Tuscaloosa. The former five-star 2023 recruit was once committed to the Hawkeyes, but shockingly flipped his commitment to Alabama shortly before signing.

While it was no surprise to see the Iowa native and once Hawkeye-commit decide to go back home, it’s a recent quote from Proctor that is catching the attention of many.

Shortly after announcing that he’d be transferring to Iowa, he was spotted at a Hawkeye basketball game. It was there where Proctor spoke with Camille Gear, sports reporter for WQAD, and gave the following quote.

“No bridges were burned, you know what I’m saying? So, that’s why it was so easy for me to pick [Iowa] when I did enter the transfer portal because we still have those relationships,” said Proctor. “Even after I was doing bad in the SEC, and struggling, they hit me up and said, ‘we are proud of you, you’re going to get through this.’ And that’s what ultimately helped me with my decision, because they still believed in me.

Many fans online were quick to raise tampering accusations, but context is important in such circumstances, as it’s a strong claim to make.

NCAA bylaw 13.1.1.3 “Four-Year College Prospective Student-Athletes,” states:

“An athletics staff member or other representative of the institution’s athletics interests shall not make contact with the student-athlete of another NCAA or NAIA four-year collegiate institution, directly or indirectly, without first obtaining the written permission of the first institution’s athletics director (or an athletics administrator designated by the athletics director) to do so, regardless of who makes the initial contact.”

Proctor’s decision to transfer and the quote are still fresh, but it has raised many eyebrows and is leading to questions being asked by media members and fans all across the country, not just those affiliated with the Crimson Tide.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football as the 2024 offseason progresses.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Report: Colts ‘satisfied’ with resolution to Commanders tampering dispute

The Colts reportedly are satisfied with the NFL’s tampering investigation involving alleged contact between the Commanders and Andrew Luck.

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The Indianapolis Colts reportedly are satisfied with the resolution to the inquiry into the league’s investigation of potential tampering between the Washington Commanders and former quarterback Andrew Luck, per ESPN’s Stephen Holder.

Earlier this month, an ESPN report stated that the Commanders reached out to Luck during the 2022 offseason in order to gauge his thoughts on a potential return. Because the Colts still own the rights to Luck’s contract, that would have been a clear violation of the tampering rules.

Colts owner Jim Irsay then requested an investigation into potential tampering, but the issue reportedly has been resolved without further action needed.

From Holder:

But after further clarification, it has been determined that the Commanders never spoke to Luck or anyone in his immediate circle and therefore did not violate the NFL’s anti-tampering policy, the source told ESPN.

There we go. Finally, we can put this issue to bed and focus on the future of the organization, which will be led by rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson and first-year head coach Shane Steichen.

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Report: Commanders not likely to be penalized for alleged tampering with Andrew Luck

No punishment coming for the Commanders for the alleged tampering with Luck.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay created headlines two weeks ago with a late-night tweet about alleged tampering with retired quarterback Andrew Luck.

Irsay’s tweet came after an ESPN story regarding the Washington Commanders’ pursuit of a quarterback and “even phoned about retired Andrew Luck, just in case,” the story read.

The Colts reportedly asked the NFL to look into the alleged tampering. Sources close to Luck, his father and his uncle, who acted as his agent, all denied Washington had reached out to Luck.

Luck retired in 2019 just before he would begin his eighth NFL season at age 29.

Now, according to Mark Maske and Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, the Commanders are not expected to face any penalties for the alleged tampering with Luck.

There probably is “not enough hard evidence” of impermissible contact for the Commanders to be penalized, one of the people with knowledge of the case said, adding that the issue probably is “going to fade away” without being pursued further.

That’s good news for Washington, considering how seriously the NFL has enforced tampering allegations recently. The Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals were each punished for alleged tampering.

The Commanders are expected to have a new owner soon with Daniel Snyder finalizing a deal to sell the franchise to Josh Harris. All that remains is the NFL Finance Committee vetting all of Harris’ partners before the league’s other owners vote for Harris to take over the Commanders.

 

Report: Colts want NFL to investigate Commanders, Andrew Luck matter

The Colts reportedly requested the league investigate potential tampering regarding the Commanders and Andrew Luck.

The Indianapolis Colts reportedly requested the NFL investigate a potential tampering situation following an ESPN report that claimed the Washington Commanders reached out to former quarterback Andrew Luck, per the Washington Post.

According to Mark Maske and Nicki Jhabvala of The Post, the Colts requested the league take further action to “determine whether there was improper contact through intermediaries.”

ESPN’s Stephen Holder, who covers the Colts, confirmed the team’s request to look into the matter. However, it may come down to whether the contact was made through a third party as another report surfaced from The Post that a source within Luck’s camp denied any direct contact with the Commanders.

From Holder:

The Commanders are not believed to have spoken with Luck, nor his agent, which would be a direct violation of the league’s anti-tampering policy. Whether the Commanders spoke with a third party, and whether any such actions constitute a violation, are among the details the Colts are hoping to clarify as they seek to learn more about what exactly transpired, a Colts source told ESPN on Sunday.

The NFL’s anti-tampering policy is somewhat vague, but direct contact with a player is not required for a violation to occur.

Even though Colts fans are tired of hearing about the former franchise quarterback, this may be a situation to keep an eye on in case the league does hand down punishments on the Commanders, which likely would come in the form of losing draft picks.

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Report: Commanders did not contact Andrew Luck, his father, or his uncle

This would seem to favor the Commanders.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay sent shockwaves around the NFL late Sunday night with the following tweet regarding retired quarterback Andrew Luck.

Irsay’s tweet came on the heels of an ESPN story from John Keim regarding Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.

What would a story about Howell have to do with Luck and Jim Irsay, you ask?

In referencing Washington’s wide-ranging search for a solution at quarterback last offseason, Keim said the following:

Even so, they didn’t feel the same urgency they did last offseason, when they called every team that might have a quarterback available. They even phoned about retired Andrew Luck, just in case.

That was enough for Irsay to send out the tweet and have the NFL look into possible tampering by the Commanders regarding the retired quarterback. The Colts still own the rights to Luck, and even though he has no interest in returning to football, any interested team would need to go through the Colts — not Luck or his camp.

What wasn’t included in Keim’s story — and this is important — was who the Commanders contacted about Luck. Was it Luck himself, his father [former NFL QB Oliver Luck], or his uncle, Will Wilson — who was his agent when he played?

According to Mark Maske of Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, it was none of the above.

The Commanders did not contact Luck, his father or his uncle who has served as his agent, according to a person within Luck’s camp. However, a person familiar with the Colts’ position said the team wants the NFL to determine whether there was improper contact through intermediaries. The Colts do not want the situation to be dismissed without being properly investigated, according to that person.

NFL issues notice to teams warning that man is trying to negotiate on behalf of Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson’s free agency saga took a bizarre turn on Thursday when the NFL issued a memo about his representation in ongoing negotiations

The Baltimore Ravens’ negotiations with quarterback Lamar Jackson took a bizarre turn on Thursday when the NFL issued a notice to teams that a man who is not a certified agent might be reaching out on his behalf. Ken Francis, a businessman with ties to Jackson, was named in the memo, though his exact role in any negotiations that the quarterback has had since free agency opened last week is unclear.

While the league’s assertion is disputed by Jackson, this memo wouldn’t have been released if there were no cause for concern on the NFL’s behalf. Uncertified agents are prohibited from negotiating contracts or trades, and teams will be subject to fines if they try to broker a deal through one.

This development could be a reason that Baltimore’s negotiations with Jackson have been at a standstill, though without more information, nothing can be certain. Francis’ business relationship with Jackson remains unclear.

One thing is clear, though; something has been happening behind the scenes that has delayed a deal from getting done. Jackson should have suitors around the league lining up for him, and the Ravens should have had a contract to match or decline by this point in the free agency process.

More news about Francis’ involvement with Jackson is sure to break in the coming days and weeks. With the draft about a month away, teams that may have previously been interested in Jackson could look to younger prospects who won’t bring additional baggage with them.

NFL’s legal tampering period before free agency, explained

The legal tampering period, which was added by the NFL a decade ago, is underway.

The NFL will begin its new league year on Wednesday, and with that will come the beginning of free agency. Contracts will expire and a flood of players will be on the open market.

But the action really gets started Monday when the NFL’s “legal tampering period” begins at 12 p.m. ET.

Why does the legal tampering period exist?

The NFL wants to turn every single aspect of their calendar into spectacle. Even the NFL Scouting Combine has thousands of fans in attendance after decades of being held in front of scouts, coaches, and executives only.

Turning free agency into a primetime event is difficult, though.

According to NFL rules, teams aren’t permitted to contact another club’s players or coaches. That’s considered “tampering” and can results in fines or even a loss of draft picks. But that previously meant that teams couldn’t contact prospective free agents until the new league year started.

That caused many of the blockbuster deals of yesteryear to take days to come together.

So the league tweaked the rules in 2013 to give teams 52 hours to begin contacting soon-to-be free agents and begin working out offers and negotiations. By the time free agency actually begins on Wednesday afternoon, many of the biggest deals of the offseason will already be agreed upon and need only a signature on the dotted line.

Last year, the Jaguars were able to announce deals with Christian Kirk, Foye Oluokun, Brandon Scherff, Evan Engram, Zay Jones, and Folorunso Fatukasi on the day free agency began.

What’s allowed and what’s still illegal?

While negotiations will begin Monday, teams can’t actually contact the players themselves. During the two-day period, “all aspects of an NFL player contract” can be discussed with a certified player agent.

That also means no visits to team facilities until free agency actually begins Wednesday.

Also, while teams will undoubtedly reach agreements with players ahead of the start of free agency, those deals can’t be announced until they’re made official Wednesday.

Which Jaguars are set to become free agents?

Impending free agents from Jacksonville include offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, pass rusher Arden Key, wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr., pass rusher Dawuane Smoot, safety Andrew “Dewey” Wingard, cornerback Tre Herndon, and tight ends Chris Manhertz and Dan Arnold.

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