New York: The National Football League sent a memo on Friday to all 32 clubs warning about fights after several recent training camp incidents, according to a story published on the NFL website.
NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent reminded team executives, coaches and general managers that game officials will have a point of emphasis for the upcoming season to prohibit player fights during games.
“These rules are in place for the protection and safety of our players to keep them on the field,” Vincent wrote.
“As professionals, no matter how emotional the game becomes, there is nothing that should resort to fighting. Coaches are encouraged to emphasise to players, coaches, and other club personnel who are on the sidelines, that fighting will not be tolerated.
“We greatly appreciate all of your efforts to advance our great game, keep it competitive and professional, and to ensure that it is played at the highest standards.”
A league policy passed this season tells players not to fight and, should a fight break out, stay away from combatants so as not to escalate the melee.
The penalty for fighting in a game is 15 yards with a potential ejection if the foul is judged by the referee to be flagrant.
It comes on the heels of major incidents just as the first pre-season training games are being played.
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith had his jaw broken when he was punched in the locker room by reserve linebacker I.K. Enemkpali, reportedly because Smith had not repaid a $600 (Dh2,203) debt in a timely fashion.
Smith underwent surgery and is expected to be sidelined for up to 10 weeks. Enemkpali was released and signed by the Buffalo Bills, who are coached by former Jets boss Rex Ryan.
On Monday, tempers got out of hand at the Carolina Panthers training camp as quarterback Cam Newton and cornerback Josh Norman fought after Norman intercepted Newton two plays into a team workout.
A joint practice last Saturday between the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins was disrupted by a series of brawls over two practice fields at the Redskins’ training camp.
