The National Football League has fined the Seattle Seahawks and head coach Pete Carroll more than $300 thousand for violating the league’s policy of offseason non-contact rules. The report comes directly from ESPN insider Chris Mortensen.
Seahawks & Pete Carroll collectively fined by than $300,000 by NFL for violation of off-season non-contact rules, per sources.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 26, 2014
The NFL set new rules in place for contact during organized team activities when the current collective bargaining agreement was put into action in August of 2011. The rules are pretty clear. And there really isn’t any ambiguity involved here (via ESPN.com).
Carroll’s fine was “at least” $100,000 and the Seahawks were docked “in excess of $200,000” while the team will lose at least two minicamp practices in 2015 because they had excessive contact between players during a June 16 practice, per sources.
The Seahawks had been fined an undisclosed amount in 2012 by Goodell for a similar violation under Carroll’s supervision and lost their final two OTA practices, sources added.
A $300 thousand fine appears to be nothing more than a slap on the wrist. The league had previously indicated continual violation of these rules could result in more severe punishment.
While not necessarily an earth-shattering scandal, it’s readily apparent that Seattle was attempting to pull one over on the league. And that won’t take well in the league office.
Photo: CBS Sports