Falcons Will Forfeit First Three Days Of 2017 OTAs For Excessive Contact Violation

Ian Rapoport reports that the NFL has informed the Atlanta Falcons that they will forfeit the first three days of OTAs in 2017 for violating NFL-NFLPA work rules for excessive contact.

The violation stems from a practice back in May in which the Falcons allowed players to engage in excessive levels of on-field physical contact, which is prohibited under the collective bargaining agreement.

The Falcons will still pay players during the cancelled sessions.

Here’s a statement from the Falcons regarding the matter:

“We take player safety very seriously and work hard to ensure that we are in compliance with league rules. Although we are disappointed in the penalty, we respect the league’s decision and will make the necessary adjustments moving forward.”

The Seahawks were fined $400,000, lost the first week of 2017 OTAs, and forfeited their 2017 fifth-round pick for a similar violation. Although, this was their second violation, which explains why their punishment was more severe.