The NFL has adopted a new procedure when it comes to five key safety rules. And the first wave of fines under those rules are working their way through the internal process.
For Week 1, three players were fined for violating the five rules that will result, after three fines, in a one-game suspension. Per the NFL Players Association, each of them has appealed their fine.
The fines were imposed on Bills defensive back Sam Franklin ($9,425 for a blindside block), Packers defensive back Evan Williams ($7,087 for a hit on a defenseless player), and Dolphins cornerback Chris Johnson ($17,911 for a hip-drop tackle).
The appeals have two practical impacts. First, if unsuccessful, it counts as the first strike toward a suspension, if two more violations of the same rule occur. Second, each player is eligible for a 50-percent rebate if they go through the season without another violation of that same rule.
The five rules that utilize the three-strike process are blindside block, hit on a defenseless player, hip-drop tackle, horse-collar tackle, and launching.
The appeal process should be expedited, frankly. The players should know before each game where they stand in relation to a potential suspension. From the league’s perspective, the uncertainty is helpful; it will prompt players to be more careful given the unresolved appeal.
The NFL publishes information on the various fines every Saturday afternoon. The league does not release the results of the appeals. Ideally, the NFL or the NFLPA (or both) will provide that information, so that the media (and, in turn, the fans) will know which players are facing a potential suspension.
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