A violation of the new rules about contact in practice prompted the NFL to punish the Seahawks Tuesday with a loss of practice dates Wednesday and Thursday.
The league and players union issued a joint statement that said the Seahawks broke the guidelines on contact during organized team activities (OTA). No specifics were given about what constituted excessive contact. But the players are prohibited from being at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center facility in Renton both days, as well as a workout Friday. No rescheduling is permitted.
Head coach Pete Carroll did not contest the decision, although he wants more specifics from the league on what is permitted. The Seahawks are the the first team cited by the NFL.
Weve had great practices, he said. Our guys have met every expectation. They have worked like crazy to get the job done. We have talked all of the talk throughout the time about taking care of one another, working to make it safe, play within the guidelines.
And we probably have stretched this limit, obviously, by this indication. Im not surprised at that. Were as competitive as you can be. And we have a very young football team. Most of these guys have never been in an OTA practice. So this is the first for them to get a smell of it.
The new limits on offseason training were adopted in the new collective bargaining agreement. Teams are allowed 10 OTAs, and workouts are limited to two hours and are videotaped to check for violations.
From the collective bargaining agreement:
“There will be no contact work (e.g., ‘live’ blocking, tackling, pass rushing, bump-and-run) or use of pads (helmets permitted) at minicamps … Clubs shall film all on-field activities from any minicamp, and shall maintain a copy of such films until 30 days after the start of the regular season. The NFLPA may view such films (after signing a confidentiality agreement satisfactory to the NFL at the start of each league year) only upon the filing of a complaint alleging a violation of this article.”
