NFL Issues Stern Warning Against Pregame and In-Game Fighting, Serious Penalties to Include Draft Forfeitures
Memo circulated among all 32 teams following brawling incidents between Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers in Week 6, reemphasizing that fighting "is irreconcilable" with the league's values and could result in ejection, suspension/demotion, or even loss of draft picks.
- The NFL issued a warning to all 32 teams threatening significant penalties for pregame and in-game fighting incidents, reemphasizing that such actions are irreconcilable with the league's values.
- The warning comes in response to incidents in Week 6 involving the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, and San Francisco 49ers.
- Punishments for fighting can include player ejection, significant fines, suspension or demotion, and for the team, potential forfeiture of draft selections.
- The memo also emphasized that teams must warm up within their own 45-yard line before games and any violation of this can result in penalties.
- While no players were disciplined for the previous week's pregame fights, the league made clear it intends to strictly enforce these policies going forward and will use video evidence to identify violations.