Some confusion has emerged regarding the league’s decision to fine five teams for violating the offseason contact rules prior to the start of the lockout. The teams -- including the 49ers, Cowboys, and possibly/presumably the Browns and the 49ers -- ran afoul of Article XXXV of the former Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The rules are clear, and the goal is to give the players some guaranteed down time after the season ends.
The full language of the rule, which has been in existence for years, appears below.
“Before the offseason program begins, generally around March 15, players are permitted to use the Club’s facilities on a voluntary basis subject to the following rules: (i) such players may not receive per diem payments or workout bonuses of any kind and may not be paid or reimbursed expenses for travel, board or lodging during this period; (ii) such players are not permitted to participate in organized workouts, practices or meetings of any kind; (iii) the Club’s strength and conditioning coaches may not direct such players’ individual workouts, but may supervise use of the weight room to prevent injury, correct misuse of equipment, etc.; (iv) such players may not be directed or supervised by position coaches during this period.”
Presumably, the teams who were fined have been fined for conducting meetings with players. Even if the players want to attend meetings, the rules are clear -- no meetings may occur.
All that said, and as we pointed out during Wednesday’s edition of PFT Live, the penalty was only a fine. Given that a lockout has started and no contact may occur until it ends, the fine likely is viewed by the Dolphins, the Cowboys, and any other team in violation of the rule as money well spent.