If NFL issued fines for fights during joint practices, the fights would stop
It's joint practice fighting season, with Tuesday's all-out brawl between the Saints and Cowboys making its way to NBC Nightly News.
Joint practice brawls between NFL teams are becoming increasingly common, with the most recent incident involving the Saints and Cowboys drawing national attention. According to the source, a straightforward solution exists: the NFL should take control of joint practices and impose fines (and other punishments, as needed) for any fights that transpire during these sessions.
This measure would serve as a strong deterrent, providing teams with a compelling reason to maintain order when tensions rise. While it's understandable that the league does not penalize fights during individual team practices, the situation changes when multiple teams come together. The NFL must actively ensure that the violence does not escalate beyond the confines of a single game.
It's crucial to recognize that any punches, kicks, or helmet swings that occur after a play has concluded constitute workplace violence, regardless of the sport's inherent nature. If teams continue to ignore this issue, it is the league's responsibility to step in and protect its players. Furthermore, the source highlights a concerning trend: when a player is seriously injured during one of these preventable altercations, the victim's legal team will swiftly argue that the NFL failed to remove a clear and preventable occupational hazard.
By enforcing discipline during joint practices, the NFL can safeguard its athletes and set a positive example for the industry.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
