We have plenty of questions about the NFL’s decision in the Falcons tampering investigation, given that the outcome doesn’t seem to mesh with the comments made by quarterback Kirk Cousins during his introductory press conference.
A request was made to interview someone from the league about the situation. The NFL declined to make anyone available.
As an alternative (and despite strongly preferring the ability to talk to someone), we submitted five questions. The NFL responded.
Here they are, as asked and as answered.
1. “The Eagles statement specifies the investigative steps. The Falcons statement does not. What was done to prove the Falcons’ violation?”
A: “The NFL reviewed phone logs, text messages and other documents including transcripts of press conferences, and also conducted interviews with relevant personnel.”
2. “On March 13, Kirk Cousins said he talked to the head athletic trainer during the negotiating window. Was that investigated?”
3. “On March 13, Cousins said he spoke to director of player personnel Ryan Pace. Cousins didn’t specify a day or time, but it likely was before 4:00 p.m. ET on March 13. Was that investigated?”
A: “And yes to your questions 2-3. The evidence found that no Falcons’ employee had direct contact with any of the players before their agents had agreed to terms. The impermissible contact came after that and was done with respect to discuss administrative logistical matters.”
4. “On March 13, Cousins said he became personally involved in the recruitment of Darnell Mooney during the negotiating window. Was that investigated?”
5. “On March 13, Cousins said Kyle Pitts had been recruiting Cousins for roughly two weeks. Was the question of whether Pitts did that at the behest of or with knowledge of the Falcons investigated?”
A: “For 4-5, yes, we looked into it but there was no evidence that the club played a role in those conversations.”
The league also added a comment on our comparison to the Chiefs’ punishment for speaking to receiver…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-answers-specific-questions-falcons-205507649.html
Author : ProFootball Talk on NBC Sports
Publish date : 2024-06-13 20:55:07
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