NFL Fines Jets Coach and General Manager
Last season, the former New York Jets Coach, Eric Mangini (who now coaches the Cleveland Browns) violated NFL rules by failing to report quarterback Brett Favre on the injury report.
By hiding injuries and failing to report them as per protocol, it can affect an opposing team’s ability to properly prepare for a game, so this is not an issue that they’re willing to let drop. The team has admitted that last season they should have included Favre on the injury report for an injured bicep tendon, but despite the quarterback’s willingness to sit out on the remaining games of the season, the front office decided not to report Favre as “probable” for injury because it just wasn’t bad enough to require treatment on a daily basis.
But, it’s clear now that it might not have been the wisest decision, since the team has now been fined a total of $125,000 for their unwillingness to comply with regulations. $75,000 was fined directly to the Jets team, while another $25,000 were the fines owed by the Jets General Manager and former coach a piece.
Following last season Brett Favre went temporarily into retirement, but has since been signed to play with Minnesota this season. However, injuries this season might keep him from playing with the Vikings for all 16 games due to a torn rotator cuff injury and suspicion of a cracked rib. Hopefully, the Vikings will take note of the Jets mistakes with Favre and put him on the injury report to avoid being slammed with a big fine.
Despite the whole circumstance, it’s clear that Favre is moving on from his history with the Jets; on Sunday with the Vikings he completed 14 of 21 passes in the game and also managed to score a touchdown. Likewise, the other Jets alumni involved are also moving forward with former Jets coach Mangini stating recently that “I have worked with the league on this matter and now consider it closed,” he said in a statement. “My focus is on our preparations for the Broncos.”
With some potentially controversial decisions being made within the NFL’s short season so far – what do you think about the decision to fine the Jets for failing to comply with injury report regulations?