08/26/26 05:34:00
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08/26 17:32 CDT Players will be suspended 1 game if they accumulate 3 penalties
in certain categories
Players will be suspended 1 game if they accumulate 3 penalties in certain
categories
By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer
ATLANTA (AP) --- NFL players will face a one-game suspension this season if
they accumulate three penalties in certain designated categories, the league
and the players' union announced Wednesday.
The NFL and the NFLPA said in a statement that they have agreed to place a
greater emphasis on five health and safety rules violations: the hip drop
tackle; horse collar tackle; launching; hit on a defenseless player; and
blindside block.
The goal is to make the game safer by focusing discipline on the infractions
most likely to leave players injured.
"There are some player safety fouls that really put the defender and his
opponent at really high risk," said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president
of football operations.
"We don't like to remove people from the team or the roster," he added. "But
we've had to put some measures in place to hold the player to greater
accountability for himself and for his opponent."
NFL players voted on the changes at a Board of Player Representatives meeting
Tuesday and owners were briefed on the new safety rules violations standards
during a meeting Wednesday in Atlanta.
The violations in those categories will carry forward into subsequent seasons
but the league and union said all players will start the upcoming season with a
clean slate.
Players who commit only one violation will receive 50% of their fine back at
the end of the season.
Coaches will also be required to join players in meetings with the NFL to
review video of the violations when a player has accumulated two infractions
and is on the threshold of a suspension.
Clubs with excessive health and safety rules violations will face increased
financial penalties.
Former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera, who also
played nine seasons in the NFL, will join the group of former players who
oversee the on-field discipline appeal hearings.
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