In recent weeks, the NFL has been criticized for fining players for marginally soft hits on the field. Moreover, whenever a player performs well, he is usually tested the next day for performance-enhancing drugs.
The league introduced various new policies during the season, which surprised many fans. The new policies don’t allow players to share about getting drug tested, and they are subjected to a $15,000 fine if they don’t adhere to the guidelines.
NFL Fans React to League’s New Policy
Some of the new policies introduced by the NFL include:
- Increase positive THC level from 150 ng/ml to 350 ng/ml.
- The medical director may test players in the program for fentanyl if clinically indicated.
No discipline for a positive test. However, failing to comply with a mandatory meeting regarding fentanyl will result in a $15,000 fine. - The fine for a second missed test changed from a one-game fine to $45,000.
- Fines are reduced for positive tests.
- $15,000 fine for recording and posting collection process on social media.
- Testing window from time of notification to time of test extended.
- Players can’t post screenshots of text messages with their drug tester.
While some of the new policies help the players, fining the athletes for sharing that they have been drug tested was not welcomed by the fans on social media. Here’s how they reacted:
Why not? Curious how this is an issue.
— ⚡️Sleepy Koala⚡️ (@OGSleepyKoala) December 5, 2024
“No Fun League,” said one fan.
— 🚫Sleep (@NSleep41) December 5, 2024
“Sad, those were great,” said another fan about the league’s decision.
We're not getting those "lmao I went off on the field this week and they're 'randomly' calling me in for a PED test" posts anymore? BOO! https://t.co/wy210ogpSg
— Ryan Bugaj (@ryanbugaj) December 5, 2024
“Jameson Williams has been suspended twice, and both times, the NFL has subsequently altered/notified teams for policy change/further explication of existing policies,” said another fan about the changes.
Usually, such changes are made in the offseason, but the NFL and NFLPA agreed to implement these policies after one of the most controversial incidents of the year occurred this past week.
Houston Texans defender Azeez Al-Shaair was handed a three-game suspension for his hit on Trevor Lawrence. His appeal was rejected, and the linebacker will miss games against the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens.
Azeez Al-Shaair Is Not Bothered by Suspension From League
Al-Shaair’s hit on Lawrence was deemed dirty by many of the ex-players and fans. His latest post on social media featured a picture of Joker and him admitting to embracing the villain role.
IF YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR VILLAIN, ILL BE YOUR VILLAIN!🖕🏾SEE YOU SOON…🃏 pic.twitter.com/GA5FMglMjz
— Azeez Al-shaair (@A_train2_) December 5, 2024
The 27-year-old player is in his sixth season in the league. He is suspended without pay for “repeated violations of rules intended to protect the health and safety of players and promote sportsmanship,” and the NFL’s Vice President of Football Operations, Jon Runyan, didn’t shy in handing a serious punishment.
Following Al-Shaair’s hit, Lawrence was carted off the field and was immediately placed in the concussion protocol. The Jaguars have put the star quarterback on injured reserve, and his season is likely over. Although Al-Shaair might not have meant any harm, a hit of this magnitude is not good for the league.
The NFL has to protect the players, especially the quarterbacks. Hopefully, we will not see similar incidents in the future.