Why were Giants, Lions fined $200,000? NFL cracks whip on training camp hullabaloo
The New York Giants and Detroit Lions are set to face a penalty following their joint session. The NFL is leaving no stone unturned in enforcing discipline within the organization. Now, they are following through with their memo as well.
The Lions visited Meadowlands Sports Complex in New Jersey for a joint practice session with the Giants on Tuesday. However, this turned out to be an exercise in futility as not much was achieved during the session. The teams got into multiple scuffles and fights throughout the day, which is why both teams were fined $200K each.
Before training camp started, the NFL had sent a reminder that such actions on the field are intolerable. That said, the Giants and Lions became the first teams to be fined for it. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on X (previously Twitter).
“The NFL confirmed today that the Detroit Lions and New York Giants organizations have each been fined $200,000 for multiple fights that broke out at the joint practices between the clubs earlier this week.
“All NFL clubs were reminded in a memo sent last month that fighting and unprofessional conduct at joint practices would not be tolerated.”
The NFL and fans hope this fine would be enough of a deterrent for the franchises to uphold the rules.
The Giants' GM got a piece of the action in the Lions fight as well
After multiple videos of fights were going around, many fans noticed Giants GM Joe Schoen was also involved in one of those fights. After the practice was over, Schoen clarified to the media his role in the fight.
"I was right there by the ruckus or whatever is going on," said Schoen at the presser. "I was just trying to keep our guys back. So, I think it got a little bit overblown in terms of my involvement. And I know my strengths and weaknesses. I was just trying to keep our guys back.”
As more teams look forward to joint practices, the NFL will soon find out if the $200K fine would be enough for teams to curb the fighting.