Commanders NFL Alcohol Violation Brings Discipline from Coach Ron Rivera
The Washington Commanders earned their win on Monday night over the Philadelphia Eagles, and they earned the right to a celebration.
But the team and the NFL has rules about the use of alcoholic beverages in the locker room, practice, office facilities and while traveling on team buses or planes.
This rule, frankly, is not always strictly enforced, and it can be argued that the week's DUI arrest of Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing that came shortly after the Titans’ team plane landed following their win over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night is playing a role in this decision.
A memo from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at the end of the week reminded teams of the policy and threatened “significant discipline” for violators.
According to NFL Network, the Commanders disciplined assorted members of the team after videos on social media showed them drinking alcohol during the flight home from Philadelphia. To many, the shots of QB Taylor Heinicke celebrating the upset victory with a beer was innocuous enough. ... but the heightened sensitivity meant discipline.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera reportedly addressed the matter in a team meeting on Tuesday and also communicated with the NFL to inform the league the team disciplined the players involved. Also noted: The Commanders apparently did not provide alcohol to the players.
According to multiple reports, no further NFL punishment is due, as “The league reviewed the matter this week, and we’re satisfied with the discipline administered by the club,” a league spokesman said to NFL Network.
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