Fully-Padded Session Could Prove Costly
The newest version of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”) limits contact and the amount of time that players spend in their fully-padded uniforms. This is all part of an effort to promote player safety.
Reportedly the Ravens violated the CBA by ignoring such protective measures at a recent rookie minicamp and it could prove costly to the team. Press play for more or read the transcript below.
According to an ESPN league source the Ravens are under investigation by the NFL Players Association (“NFLPA”} for using full pads at their recent rookie minicamp, a violation of the CBA.
Word is the Ravens asked the rookies to wear their entire combat gear during special teams drills. Once the violation was brought to the attention of the coaches, they pulled the players and had them return to the standard attire for such practices.
The entire time spent in full pads has been estimated at 5 minutes and did not involve contact.
To fall under the scrutiny of the NFLPA, such a violation is generally reported by a member of the union – therefore, most likely a player.
That player now risks being an outcast, particularly if this hiccup of a violation costs the Ravens a draft pick.
Retired players will have a chuckle over this “violation”. They’ll recall the full contact, fully padded two-a-days in sweltering summer conditions – and then label the modern players as pansies.
I’m guessing that each rookie was given a spa day to help offset the grueling conditions and barbaric treatment from John Harbaugh and his staff.
This is not your father’s NFL.
Have the Ravens violated the CBA?
Technically, perhaps.
But make no mistake about it, the wussification of the National Football League (and America for that matter) continues.
