Two NFL teams are facing consequences after it appeared players faked injuries.
CBS Sports reported over the weekend that the New Orleans Saints received a $550,000 fine after defensive end Cam Jordan allegedly faked an injury during Monday night’s game against the Tampa Buccaneers.
Additionally, Jessie Bates III of the Cincinnati Bengals was also fined for allegedly faking an injury during Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the outlet reported.
According to the report, Jordan was hit with a $50,000 fine while his position coach, Ryan Nielsen, was fined $50,000.
Saints coach Dennis Allen received a fine of $100,000 and the franchise as a whole was docked $350,000.
All reportedly plan to appeal the fines.
Bates was fined $50,000, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor received a $150,000 fine and the Bengals as a franchise was hit with a $350,000 fine.
Bates plans to appeal the fine.
The Sporting News Twitter account posted a video of the moment during the game.
Incredibly timed injury here by Jessie Bates 😂pic.twitter.com/HFr987Axzq
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) December 4, 2022
The Saints issued a statement on the matter, saying the organization denies “any allegations of purposefully delaying the game on Monday evening.”
According to the team, Jordan “felt foot pain following a third down play and sought medical attention. He entered the blue medical tent and was examined by the medical staff and following the examination he was taped and able to finish the game. He had an MRI performed the following day in New Orleans and was confirmed that he suffered an acute mid-foot sprain in his left foot.”
The statement continues, “He has been at the facility each day receiving treatment for his injury he suffered on the play. The Saints will appeal the fines through the proper channels and believe the allegations will be proved incorrect.”
Jordan reacted to the fine himself on Twitter.
“Agent told me bout it and initially I laughed and was like, that’s ridiculous- clearly aggravated something. then he told me how much the fine was and I been irked since,” he wrote.
Agent told me bout it and initially I laughed and was like, that’s ridiculous- clearly aggravated something. then he told me how much the fine was 😳😨 and I been irked since.
— Cam Jordan (@camjordan94) December 10, 2022
Earlier this month, the league issued a memo warning players about faking injuries.
“The NFL continues to emphasize the importance of upholding the integrity of the game and competitive fairness as our highest priority,” the memo stated.
It went on, “We have observed multiple instances of clubs making a deliberate attempt to stop play unnecessarily this season. Any deliberate attempt by a team and/or player to stop play unnecessarily; prolong or delay the process; improperly take advantage of a stoppage in play; or influence the actions of an ATC Spotter will be considered an ‘unfair act’ and may result in discipline, in addition to any on-field penalty assessed by the Game Officials.”