Giants coach Ben McAdoo says the team is cooperating with the league’s investigation into whether they violated NFL rules with their use of walkie-talkies on Sunday against the Cowboys.
“Start off by talking about the walkie-talkie incident in the game,” McAdoo said during his Friday press conference, via ESPN. “We’ve touched base with the league, we’re working through it right now. I don’t have anything to add, but we are working with the league on the incident.”
Asked follow-ups about the issue, McAdoo answered, “That’s a great question, but I’m not talking about it.” He later said, “Listen, we’re working through the league, doing the best we can right now to help the investigation and we’ll move on when we can move on.”
During the game, the Giants’ coach-to-quarterback system malfunctioned, and quarterback Eli Manning couldn’t hear McAdoo calling plays. So McAdoo used a walkie-talkie to communicate to the speakers in Manning’s helmet. That’s against league rules, because the NFL has to ensure that no communication is being made to the quarterback once less than 15 seconds remain on the play clock. The Cowboys asked the NFL to investigate.
The league is reportedly planning to fine the Giants for the violation, although it remains to be seen whether this is dealt with quickly and quietly, or whether the league launches a full-blown investigation. McAdoo is undoubtedly hoping to get this over with as soon as possible.