Patriots mysteriously lose two OTAs for violating offseason rules… but the team’s specific infraction remains unclear as New England declines to comment
- The decision imposed upon New England is hardly uncommon in the NFL
- NE is looking to rebound after missing the playoffs for the 2nd time in 14 years
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
The New England Patriots have reportedly lost two days of organized team activities for a violation of offseason rules.
New England announced earlier Wednesday that Thursday’s OTA practice — the first to be attended by media this offseason — 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 reasoning for the decision, likely to have come from the NFLPA raising the alarm.
Reporters have yet to be able to attend the Patriots’ OTA sessions in Foxborough.
Teams are allowed a total of 10 OTAs, where no live contact is permitted among other rules of Article 21 of the collective bargaining agreement.
The New England Pats have reportedly lost two days of OTAS for a violation of offseason rules
Bill Belichick’s squad added Oregon corner Christian Gonzalez to its secondary via the Draft
Other teams have been penalized for offseason rules violations, including the Seattle Seahawks (2016), Baltimore Ravens (2018), Jacksonville Jaguars (2021), San Francisco 49ers (2021) and Dallas Cowboys (2021, 2022).
Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys head coach, was fined $100,000 resultantly, with a 2023 OTA practice also taken away.
New England is looking to improve upon last season’s 8-9 finish which culminated with a crushing 35-23 loss to AFC East rival Buffalo.
External pressure has continued to mount on Bill Belichick after the Pats missed the postseason for just the second time in 14 seasons.
Belichick ostensibly had a strong draft, particularly 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 to Philadelphia on September 10.