NFL has fined players nearly $20 million since March
By Cory Buck
According to a recent tabulation by the invaluable Spotrac.com, the NFL has levied fines and suspensions that have resulted in nearly $20 million lost for the collective group of players receiving punishment. Between games missed and fines levied, it appears the NFL is having a hey day with their disciplinary standards.
More from NFL
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Packers training camp news: Jordan Love struggles, Bakhtiari schedule, position switch
- 3 Cowboys who won’t be on the roster after training camp
- Packers: Aaron Rodgers reached out to Jordan Love this offseason
- Damar Hamlin is a ‘full go’ at Bills training camp
Lost money ranges from those suspended like Josh Gordon, Daryl Washington, and Wes Welker to those fined for on-field incidents like Peyton Manning‘s ‘taunting’ fine and Jimmy Graham‘s fines for dunking the football over the goal post as a touchdown celebration.
In addition to the money lost, players have been suspended a combined 161 games in that same time frame. The biggest single loss is that of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington, who was suspended for the entire 2014 season for substance abuse. Washington forfeited $3 million in base salary. Josh Gordon also lost more than $1.6 million for his year-long suspension.
It’s been a tough summer for players partying in the offseason. A majority of the suspensions derive from substance abuse as the league looks to combat not only performance-enhancing drugs, but also the abuse of recreational drugs. A startling development this summer saw two players suspended after having done MDMA or ‘Molly’.
Expect the substance abuse suspensions to taper off as the season begins, only to be replaced by on-field infractions such as excessive celebrations and illegal hits. One way or another, the players will pay if they cross the line on or off the field.