Taylor Heinicke and other NFL players spotted celebrating with alcohol could face significant disciplinary action per strict new league directive
Quarterback Taylor Heinicke and the Washington Commanders had a big win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 10. However, the Commanders' quarterback may have had too much fun and the NFL took notice. Taylor Heinicke was seen holding cans of Busch Light beer in at least two videos on social media posts.
The league has a zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol on team charters, among other places, and sent a memo to its teams threatening “significant discipline” for violations. According to the Washington Post, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera discussed the violation during a team meeting.
Rivera also reached out to the league following the team's discipline of multiple players. The team’s punishment of the players was sufficient enough for the league. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy told the Washington Post that the league assessed the incident involving the Commanders.
McCarthy said:
“The league reviewed the matter this week, and we are satisfied with the discipline administered by the club. There will be no further action taken by the league."
An NFL spokesman said of the #Commanders: “The league reviewed the matter this week and we’re satisfied with the discipline administered by the club.”
The NFL is still reviewing the #Titans situation from last night. Mike Vrabel said the club is cooperating with the league.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell put out a statement to re-emphasize their long-standing policy on no alcohol around any NFL locker room or team facilities.
The statement said:
"In light of recent events, clubs are reminded that League policy prohibits alcoholic beverages, including beer, in the locker rooms, practice or office facilities, or while traveling on team buses or planes at any time during the preseason, regular season, or postseason," "This applies to all players, coaches, club personnel, and guests traveling with your team."
Full text of the memo from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, which was sent hours after #Titans OC Todd Downing was arrested on suspicion of DUI after the team’s win at Green Bay. https://t.co/XT7QjIZPmr
The statement also said:
"This policy has been in place for many years. Making alcohol available at club facilities or while traveling creates significant and unnecessary risks to the League, its players, coaches and, others. Violations of this important policy will be taken seriously and will result in significant discipline."
Taylor Heinicke and the Washington Commanders aren't the only NFL franchise currently dealing with an incident involving alcohol.
Taylor Heinicke is not the only person involved in an alcohol-related incident as of late
The incident involving Taylor Heinicke comes on the heels of Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing being arrested for a DUI. Downing was taken into custody after the Titans' victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 10.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol cited Downing for driving under the influence and speeding and later booked into the Williamson County jail at exactly 4:30 a.m. He was released from jail around 7 a.m. Friday morning.
The Titans are cooperating with the league as there's no timetable as to when they'll hand down discipline to Downing or the team.
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