From NBC Sports · · 1m 40s
Three players appeal fines under NFL's new safety rules
The NFL's three-strike suspension system for safety violations is now in effect, with players already challenging their Week 1 fines.
In brief
The NFL's three-strike suspension system for safety violations is now in effect, with players already challenging their Week 1 fines. Players fined for safety violations can appeal, and going a full season without repeating the same violation earns them a 50-percent fine rebate. Originally reported by NBC Sports.
NFL introduces three-strike safety system
The league has adopted a new procedure for five key safety rules. After three fines for the same violation, a player faces a one-game suspension.
Week 1 brings first wave of fines
Three players were fined in Week 1: Bills safety Sam Franklin ($9,425 for blindside block), Packers safety Evan Williams ($7,087 for hit on defenseless player), and Dolphins cornerback Chris Johnson ($17,911 for hip-drop tackle).
All three players have appealed
Per the NFL Players Association, each of the three fined players has appealed their fine, putting the violations into the internal review process.
Appeals have two key impacts
If an appeal fails, the fine counts as strike one toward suspension. If a player avoids the same violation for the entire season, they get a 50-percent rebate on the fine.
Five rules trigger the three-strike system
Blindside block, hit on a defenseless player, hip-drop tackle, horse-collar tackle, and launching are the five violations that can lead to suspension after three strikes.
Appeals should be resolved quickly
Players need to know their suspension status before each game. The league currently doesn't release appeal results, leaving uncertainty that may actually encourage safer play.
League should share appeal outcomes
The NFL publishes fines every Saturday but doesn't release appeal results. Ideally, the league or players union will share this information so fans know which players face potential suspension.
The headline
Players fined for safety violations can appeal, and going a full season without repeating the same violation earns them a 50-percent fine rebate.
