NFL warns teams against fighting

The NFL is taking a stern stance against players and teams engaging in altercations before or during games, with the league issuing a warning of "substantial" consequences, as reported by various media outlets on Sunday.

Last Wednesday, the NFL circulated a memorandum to all 32 teams in response to pregame skirmishes that transpired during Week Six, involving the San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns, as well as the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers.

The memo underscores the significance of sportsmanship and respect in NFL football, categorically denouncing any form of fighting as incompatible with these core values.

It highlights the potential for fighting to result in avoidable injuries to players, coaches, officials, and other game-day personnel, sending a message deemed inappropriate and unacceptable across all levels of the sport. The memorandum makes it clear that players found involved in altercations before or during games face the prospect of ejection, suspension, and/or substantial fines.

Furthermore, it warns that teams whose players or staff members become embroiled in such incidents may encounter more severe accountability measures. In a strong deterrent measure, the memorandum also states that teams could face penalties such as "forfeiture of draft selections and/or substantial fines" for their involvement in these undesirable confrontations.