NFL Teams Given Stern Warning Over Faking Injuries
NFL teams have been warned about the repercussions of faking injuries during games this season, on Wednesday.
In a memo sent to the 32 NFL teams, warnings of suspensions, lost draft picks and fines were issued. The practice, which ESPN said “provides a competitive edge” is illegal in the sport although some connected with the league have admitted to knowing that it takes place.
Scott Fujita, Cleveland Browns linebacker, said he is familiar with the practice according to ESPN.
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"I've been places where it has been (taught)," Fujita said. "They have a name for it and I've been places where it's been pre-called. I've been places where it's one player who has been designated. Maybe I'm getting everyone in trouble, but I'm just being honest."
Former Heisman Trophy recipient Reggie Bush also admitted that the practice is common.
"(The coach) just designates a guy who fakes an injury. It's usually not a captain of the team. It's a guy who's expendable," Bush said, according to ESPN.
The latest team suspected of doing so is the New York Giants’ safety Deon Grant, who St Louis Rams’ QB Sam Bradford, said faked an injury in their 28-16 loss against his team.
"They couldn't get subbed, they couldn't line up," Bradford said. "Someone said, 'Someone go down, someone go down,' so someone just went down and grabbed a cramp."
However, Grant denies faking any injury.
“I went out one play," Grant said, according to ESPN. "I got banged up, and went right back in and finished the game -- (just like I have) every game for my career. You look at my knees now, do you see this knee (my right one), this knee is smaller than that one (my left one)? You see the bang-up, right?"
Aside from the speculation with Grant, the NFL released the warning statement to all 32 teams. The official statement from the NFL read, “Going forward, be advised that should the league office determine that there is reasonable cause, all those suspected of being involved in faking injuries will be summoned promptly to this office ... to discuss the matter. Those found to be violators will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action for conduct detrimental to the game."
