Arrested
Dixon is arrested and charged with resisting an officer without violence to his person after he was pulled over and for traffic violations while he was riding a motor scooter. Dixon was going down the middle of the road between the northbound and southbound lanes and swerved in front of a vehicle. Officers said he was belligerent and antagonistic. Dixon was released on $1,000 bail.
You’re seriously going to give me a ticket for that? I’m making a U-turn!..You’re just doing this because I’m a black man with dreads and I look like a criminal. I’m not a criminal!
Suspended without pay
The NFL suspends Farmer for the first four games of the 2015 season for sending texts to personnel during games, which violates the NFL’s electronic device policy. The Browns are also fined $250,000. NFL:
There was no evidence in the NFL’s review that Browns ownership or any other team executives had knowledge of the prohibited conduct. Once the violation was discovered, Browns management implemented new processes to ensure future compliance.
Farmer:
I respect the league’s decision and understand that there are consequences for my actions. Accountability is integral to what we are trying to build, and as a leader, I need to set the right example. I made a mistake and apologize to Jimmy Haslam, [coach] Mike Pettine, our entire organization and our fans for the ramifications. Learning is a big part of who I am, and I will certainly be better from this situation.
Crowd noise fine, lose draft pick
As punishment for piping crowd noise into home games, the Falcons are fined $350,000 and forfeit a 2016, fifth-round draft pick. The Falcons will not appeal the punishment.
What took place was wrong and nowhere near the standards by which we run our business. Anytime there are actions that compromise the integrity of the NFL or threaten the culture of our franchise, as this issue did, they will be dealt with swiftly and strongly.
Jets file tampering charge
The Jets file a tampering charge against the Patriots after Kraft made the following comment about Revis:
I speak as a fan of the New England Patriots, we wanted to keep him.
DUI arrest
After failing a field sobriety test, Pierce is arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He is the third Ravens player to be arrested this offseason.
On RB Bernard Pierce: "We are aware of the situation and learning more about it. We take these matters seriously." | http://t.co/2nj03oeluW
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 18, 2015
Files grievance
Richardson files a grievance against the Colts for voiding the $3.184 million he would have made during the 2015 season. Because Richardson was suspended for two games the day before the AFC Championship, language in Richardson’s contract allowed the Colts to not pay the final year of Richardson’s rookie contract.
Superbowl seat judgement
A federal jury orders the NFL to pay about $76,000 to some of the seven fans who sued over the seating issue at the 2011 Super Bowl. The jury says the NFL breached its contract with some ticket holders, but the NFL did not commit fraud. The plaintiffs complained that they had tickets to the game, but they either ended up without seats or they had seats with obstructed views. Hours before kickoff, around 1,250 temporary seats were declared unsafe, forcing about 850 ticket holders to move to new seats and 400 others to standing-room areas. The NFL says it fully compensated these displaced attendees.
Agrees to one-year extension
The Giants announce that Coughlin has agreed to a one-year extension of his contract. This deal was done because the Giants have a policy of not letting their coaches operate with only one year left on their contracts.
Re-signs
McCourty re-signs with the Patriots. The deal is for five years and $47.5 million, with $28.5 million guaranteed.
I’m blessed to say we had other teams that were interested, but I said all along that I knew in my heart that I wanted to be back in New England. But I also knew the business side of football, and I had to do what I had to do. I’m back, but I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t possibilities over the last two days that I was going to be somewhere else. I’m happy it all worked out.