NFL threatens fines, bans for faking injuries
NEW YORK - The NFL sent a memo Wednesday to all 32 teams warning of fines, suspensions and loss of draft picks if the league determines players faked injuries during a game.
In the memo obtained by The Associated Press, the NFL reminded teams of league policy that calls on coaches to discourage the practice, and that there was no specific rule on the topic.
However, two days after there was speculation the Giants' Deon Grant faked an injury against the Rams during the Monday night game (see video below), the NFL is warning of disciplinary action.
Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said Tuesday the team notified the league office that it suspected the Giants were feigning injuries in St. Louis' 28-16 loss. Rams quarterback Sam Bradford said it was obvious the Giants were just buying time with St. Louis running a no-huddle offense.
"They couldn't get subbed, they couldn't line up," Bradford said. "Someone said, 'Someone go down, someone go down,' so someone just went down and grabbed a cramp."
The memo from the league said:
"Going forward, be advised that should the league office determine that there is reasonable cause, all those suspected of being involved in faking injuries will be summoned promptly to this office ... to discuss the matter. Those found to be violators will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action for conduct detrimental to the game."
On Tuesday, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he was not aware Grant might have faked an injury late in the first quarter. Coughlin said he thought Grant went down with cramps.
Despite Spagnuolo's objections, a former Giants player, who asked not to be identified, told CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman that Giants players faked injuries when Spagnuolo was defensive coordinator for the team from 2007 to 2009.
Mike Freeman: Faking injuries is nothing new in NFL
"It wasn't common but it happened," the ex-player said. "But it happened on every team in the league and still does."
As Freeman noted: "The player also made it clear that faking injuries happened -- and happens -- on every team in football at some point during the season."