Tag: Tampering

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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Saints among 5 teams without a first-round pick in 2023 NFL draft

The New Orleans Saints are among 5 teams without a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Which other teams could be missing out in April?

The New Orleans Saints are among five teams without a first-round pick in the upcoming 2023 NFL draft. Which other teams are going to be missing out in April? Between trades (some ill-advised, others savvy) and, well, to quote Arrested Development’s George Bluth Sr., “some light treason,” multiple franchises will be spectators during the first round of this year’s draft.

Misery loves company, right? Though we’re guessing at least two teams are happy with how things have turned out after making bold moves. Let’s break down how the Saints, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, and San Francisco 49ers wound up in their respective position, and which teams own their picks instead:

76ers lose two second-round picks for free agency discussions involving PJ Tucker, Danuel House

Kyle Neubeck: The Sixers have been docked a second round pick in the 2023 and 2024 drafts as a result of the league’s tampering investigation. Source: Twitter @KyleNeubeck What’s the buzz on Twitter? Derek Bodner @ DerekBodnerNBA The NBA has …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
The NBA has announced that the Philadelphia 76ers have lost second-round draft picks in 2023 and 2024 after the league finished investigations into the Sixers’ pursuits of PJ Tucker and Danuel House last summer in free agency. – 4:04 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
NBA has rescinded Philadelphia’s second-round pick in each of the 2023 and 2024 drafts because an investigation found that the 76ers engaged in free agency discussions involving two players (P.J. Tucker and Danuel House, Jr.) prior to date when such discussions were permitted. – 4:04 PM
Jeff Zillgitt @JeffZillgitt
NBA takes away 76ers second-round picks in 2023 and 2024 for free agent discussions with P.J. Tucker and Danuel House prior to when free-agent discussions are permitted, per league. Sixers “fully cooperated with the investigation,” league said. – 4:03 PM
John Hollinger @johnhollinger
Sixers penalized seconds in 2023 and 2024 for jumping gun on free agency with P.J. Tucker and Danuel House. – 4:02 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
The NBA announces the 76ers have lost their 2023 and 2024 second round picks as a result of the investigation into the signings of Danuel House and PJ Tucker this summer. pic.twitter.com/Lb84geQ67L – 4:02 PM

Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
So . . . 76ers docked a second-round pick for early free-agency contact regarding P.J. Tucker. Also docked one for contact regarding with Danuel House. – 4:01 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Philadelphia led this one by 19 and now this game is tied at 72 in the 3Q. It’s been a rough 3Q with PJ Tucker picking up a slew of fouls in this quarter. #Sixers – 9:34 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Three offensive fouls for PJ Tucker in a short amount of time later, the game is tied – 9:33 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
The Bulls have stormed back to make this a game, but credit to Tobias Harris and PJ Tucker for making some big shots and giving Philly a 64-56 cushion at the half. Joel Embiid has 12 and 4 and Harris has 11. #Sixers – 9:10 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Sixers go to Shake Milton before Danuel House Jr. tonight in the rotation. – 8:33 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
PJ Tucker is such an underrated screen setter. He really gets in front of defenders and that allows his teammates to find open looks. Tucker set a screen to get Maxey open for 3 and then he goes down on the other end and strips Nikola Vuvevic. #Sixers – 8:20 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers starters:
Tobias Harris
PJ Tucker
Joel Embiid
Tyrese Maxey
James Harden
#Bulls starters
D. DeRozan
P. Williams
N. Vucevic
Z. LaVine
A. Caruso – 7:58 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
PJ Tucker just stepped on a foot on a roll to the rim and rolled his ankle. Staying in the game. – 8:51 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
PJ Tucker being the starting centre for the Sixers is something.
Positionless basketball, indeed – 7:36 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
The Sixers are hilariously +116.7 per 100 in 20 possessions with PJ Tucker at center thus far this season. – 7:06 PM

More on this storyline

NBA Communications: The following has been released by the NBA. IMGhttps://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/1587172648127266817 -via Twitter / October 31, 2022
Rich Hoffman: One thing to watch from last night’s game: P.J. Tucker only got 20 minutes. Georges Niang, who was in a good rhythm, played the entire fourth. Doc Rivers: “With P.J., when we can get nights like that, we’ll take them.” Sixers will be cautious with Tucker’s minutes at times. -via Twitter @rich_hofmann / October 25, 2022
As the regular season approaches, House Jr. opened up on his role with the team and he discussed what he is expected to do out on the floor. “My role is just to be energy,” he told reporters in Cleveland. “Be the guy to make stuff happen. Make plays happen, make a shot, knock down a shot, get a rebound, pass the ball, set the play up, run the play, set the screen, whatever the team needs pretty much. I’m just here to give away myself. Like I said earlier, I’m not really worried about accolades. As long as we win, I feel like that’s my biggest accolade.” -via Sixers Wire / October 11, 2022