The NFL apparently didn’t take too kindly to a pair of players allegedly attempting to fake injuries during their Week 13 games.
The league fined the New Orleans Saints $350,000, head coach Dennis Allen $100,000 and defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen and defensive end Cameron Jordan $50,000 each for their respective roles during a delay in Monday’s 17-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ESPN reported.
The NFL also docked Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III $50,000 for allegedly faking an injury during his team’s 27-24 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
The Saints issued a statement strongly denying the accusation and vowing to appeal the decision.
“Defensive end Cameron Jordan felt foot pain following a third-down play and sought medical attention,” the team statement read. “He entered the blue medical tent and was examined by the medical staff and following the examination he was taped and able to finish the game. He had an MRI performed the following day in New Orleans and was confirmed that he suffered an acute mid-foot sprain in his left foot. He has been at the facility each day receiving treatment for his injury he suffered on the play. The Saints will appeal the fines through the proper channels and believe the allegations will be proved incorrect.”
Jordan, 33, opted to take a knee and pointed to his lower leg to force a stoppage in play midway into the fourth quarter. The stoppage came as the Buccaneers appeared poised to run an offensive play on fourth down. Tampa Bay, instead, elected to punt once play resumed.
Jordan vented on social media Saturday after receiving his fine.
“Are fines made by nfl open to public? I just feel like this should be public knowledge. ‘Cause some of the fines are silly but this 1… ridiculous. Anyways & for what a “deliberate action to delay game” before a (team) punts?”
Are fines made by nfl open to public? I just feel like this should be public knowledge. ‘Cause some of the fines are silly but this 1… ridiculous. Anyways & for what a “deliberate action to delay game” before a tm punts? NFL just wanted a new patek aquanaut or summ… not off me
— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) December 10, 2022
Bates, 25, was spotted falling to the ground without contact as two Bengals defenders rushed onto the field while the Chiefs came to the line of scrimmage. Bates missed one snap before returning to action.
The fines come one week after the NFL sent all 32 clubs a memo that emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the game. The memo also listed the minimum fines of $350,000 for clubs, $100,000 for a head coach, and $50,000 for players/assistant coaches for violating the rule.
–Field Level Media
