Patriots lose two OTAs for violating offseason rules… but the specific infraction remains unclear
Patriots mysteriously lose two OTAs for off-season rule violations… but the team’s specific violation remains unclear as New England declines to comment
- The decision imposed on New England is not uncommon in the NFL
- NE wants to recover after missing the playoffs for the 2nd time in 14 years
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
The New England Patriots reportedly lost two days of organized team activity due to off-season rule violations.
New England announced earlier Wednesday that Thursday’s OTA practice — the first offseason attended by media — had been canceled. The team declined to comment on the reason for the cancellation.
League sources told ESPN’s Mike Reiss that New England will lose another OTA next week. The report did not specify a reason for the decision, likely coming from the NFLPA raising the alarm.
Reporters can’t yet attend the Patriots’ OTA sessions in Foxborough.
Teams are allowed to have a total of 10 OTAs, where no live contact is allowed, among other rules of Article 21 of the CLA.
The New England Pats reportedly lost two days of OTAS for off-season rule violations
Bill Belichick’s side added Oregon corner Christian Gonzalez to his secondary via the Draft
Other teams have been penalized for off-season rule violations, including the Seattle Seahawks (2016), Baltimore Ravens (2018), Jacksonville Jaguars (2021), San Francisco 49ers (2021), and Dallas Cowboys (2021, 2022).
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was fined $100,000 as a result, also revoking a 2023 OTA workout.
New England is looking to improve on last season’s 8-9 finish, which culminated in a landslide 35-23 loss to AFC East rival Buffalo.
Outside pressure on Bill Belichick continued to mount after the Pats missed the postseason for the second time in 14 seasons.
Belichick seemingly had a strong draft, especially with the choice of Oregon cornerback, Christian Gonzalez with the 17th overall pick. The future Hall of Fame coach will begin his 14th season at home in Philadelphia on September 10.