Seeks reinstatement
After the charges for assaulting and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend are dropped, Hardy seeks reinstatement into the NFL. The NFL has opened its own investigation into the incident, so Hardy will remain on the league’s exempt list until that investigation is completed. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy:
He [Hardy] hasn’t been disciplined. There is nothing for him to … seek reinstatement from at this point.
Cap increased
Chiefs release A.J Jenkins and Donnie Avery, increasing the cap room from less than a million to $4.8 million.
Wide receiver released
Due to injuries and lack of effective plays, The Chiefs make room on their roster by letting Donnie Avery go.
Released
Due to injuries and lack of effective plays, The Kansas City Chiefs make room on their roster by letting Jenkins go.
Facebook, NFL partner
Facebook partners with the National Football League, showing short video clips featuring the NFL, such as highlights, news and fantasy football advice, to be followed by ads from Verizon Wireless. Facebook and the NFL are to share ad revenue. Facebook spokeswoman:
This is a small video sponsorship test, and we will be evaluating how people, publishers, and marketers respond to this kind of co-branded video content on Facebook.
Creates social responsibility team
0 CommentsThe NFL creates a “social responsibility” team consisting of four women to focus on domestic violence. NFL community affairs vice president Anna Isaacson leads the group which also includes Lisa Friel, former head of sex-crimes prosecution for the Manhattan district attorney; Jane Randel, co-founder of the advocacy group NO MORE; and Rita Smith, former executive director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell:
We are continuing to develop our organization to strengthen our ability to address the wide range of issues we face and other changes in our office will be announced soon. Our goal is to make a real difference on these and other issues. We know that we will be judged by our actions and their effectiveness.
Hires Ray Rice investigator
0 CommentsThe NFL hires former FBI director Robert S. Mueller III to investigate how the Ray Rice case was handled internally. The investigation could lead to sanctions or possible dismissal for Commissioner Roger Goodell if it is determined he is involved in a cover-up. NFL team executive:
He’s been a very good commissioner, and he’s done great things for the league. The presumption is that he’s telling the truth and the investigation will demonstrate that. We’ll go by the report [generated by Mueller’s investigation]. If the report says something different, we’ll take the appropriate action.
Kicked off Ravens
Rice is kicked off the Ravens and suspended indefinitely by the NFL following the release of a video showing him punching his fiance. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell increased Rice’s suspension from two days to indefinitely after viewing the video. Raven’s press release:
The Baltimore Ravens terminated the contract of RB Ray Rice this afternoon.
Retires from the NFL
Harrison retires from the NFL.
I have made the difficult decision to retire as of today. My love for my family and the need to be there for them outweighs my desire to play the game. I have missed too many experiences with them because I devoted SO much time to my career. My love for the game isn’t strong enough to make up for missing one more birthday or first day of school. I am retiring as a man who is truly grateful for all of his blessings.
Domestic violence policy change
0 CommentsCommissioner Roger Goodell announces a new policy with regard to domestic violence. Any NLF employee, player or otherwise, will automatically receive a six game suspension without pay for the first infraction. A second offense will result in a minimum one year suspension. Goodeell indicated that a second-time offender would be able to petition for reinstatement, but:
there will be no presumption or assurance that the petition will be granted.