The NFL slapped the Chiefs on the wrist Wednesday for violating the league’s rules against tampering when they had “improper contact” with wide receiver Jeremy Maclin before signing him as a free agent last year.
Kansas City has been stripped of their third-round pick in the 2016 draft, their sixth-round pick in the 2017 draft and fines were imposed on the team, coach Andy Reid and General Manager John Dorsey. The Chiefs have five days to appeal the penalties and owner Clark Hunt suggested the team will do that while citing the league’s inconsistent policies when it comes to contact with players who are about to become free agents.
“While we respect Commissioner Goodell and the process, we believe that the penalties proposed in this case are inconsistent with discipline enforced in similar matters -- particularly given the league’s inconsistent communication of its policies on contact with potential free agents,” Hunt said. “As an organization, we take great care to conduct ourselves with integrity and operate within the guidelines of the NFL. We have been fully cooperative and transparent with the league in this matter, and we are disappointed with the league’s decision. I want to make it clear that I fully support the leadership of both Coach Reid and John Dorsey. We will continue to explore our options under the appeal process.”
Offseason challenges to the league office’s authority have become an annual event in the NFL. It looks like the Chiefs will be leading one this year.
