The NFL has rescinded a $50,000 fine against the New Orleans Saints’ Cameron Jordan for allegedly faking an injury after the defensive end won his appeal, ESPN reported Thursday.
The league had issued a memo in early December notifying teams it will enforce harsh penalties for faking injuries.
The Saints were playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 5 and leading 16-3 in the fourth quarter when Jordan attempted to sack quarterback Tom Brady on third-and-17. Jordan fell to the ground, got up, appeared to look to his sideline and went to one knee, appearing to point to his leg. He left the field with team trainers as the Bucs punted on fourth down.
Jordan was examined in the injury tent and returned four plays into Tampa Bay’s next offensive possession. Jordan said later that he could not push off on his left foot.
He said he rehabbed his swollen foot during the team’s bye week and had an MRI before playing a week later against the Atlanta Falcons. He said the MRI showed the injury.
New Orleans has appealed the fines against Jordan, the organization ($350,000), head coach Dennis Allen ($100,000) and Saints co-defensive coordinator Ryan Neilsen ($50,000) for a $550,000 total.
Jordan texted ESPN and questioned the process, suggesting any incident be fully investigated before announcing a fine. He also wondered why it took the NFL so long to decide, as his appeal was not heard until late December.
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III was also fined for his alleged fake injury during a Week 13 win over Kansas City, according to NFL Network.
Bates was fined $50,000 and said at the time he would appeal, according to NFL Network. The Bengals’ organization was fined $350,000 and head coach Zac Taylor $150,000.
–Field Level Media