NFL analyst applauds league for slapping $200,000 financial sanctions on Lions, Giants for rioting in joint practices
The Detroit Lions and New York Giants have dominated headlines this week with news about the team's team-wide tussle. In response to creating a fight hyperbolically reminiscent of Lord of the Rings battles, the NFL imposed $200,000 fines on the teams. Speaking on an Aug. 7 edition of "Pro Football Talk," NFL analyst Mike Florio said it was "good to see" the fines.
"The NFL needs to be responsible for this. The NFL can't just say this isn't our thing. That's baloney. That's crap. It's good to see they've decided it's their responsibility to impose penalties because the teams aren't going to do it," he said. [00:01:30][41.6] PFT
He recalled a viral story of Aaron Donald merely getting a talking-to in response to swinging his helmet around during a practice. In Florio's mind, imposing financial penalties might be the best way to prevent tussles from happening.
That's because the fines could get the attention of owners, who get the attention of the general managers, who address the situation with coaches. The coaches then create stricter penalties against fighting, nipping it in the bud. Coaches around the country tend to use exercise as a punishment preventing such practice flare-ups.
If those fights happen in games, the NFL or teams often impose penalties on players. However, fights in practice often get swept under the rug with no or fewer fans around to witness it.
Will Lions starters play in Thursday's preseason game against the Giants?
The preseason is a spotty place to watch starters for NFL teams. In the regular season, every star from every team plays every week, even if they are not at full health. However, in August, teams often choose to safeguard their stars.
According to Lions Wire, it is expected some starters, including Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown, won't be on the field today (Aug. 8). Lions coach Dan Campbell opened the door to seeing them for "a few reps," if any.
“Certainly some of the guys we know we’re going to count on during the season, I don’t see them necessarily playing and if they do, not very many reps. But our young guys are going to get a lot of these, and developmental players are going to get a ton of these reps,” he said.
As such, those with prior engagements would be taking a big risk in rescheduling to watch the game against the New York Giants and get a glimpse of the team's starters.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.