Adam Schefter reports that the Patriots officially filed tampering charges on Wednesday against the Houston Texans for the attempted hire of Nick Caserio.
- Schefter says that the NFL now is expected to gather relevant informant to open its investigation against Houston.
- According to Ian Rapoport, the Texans’ decision to fire GM Brian Gaine the day after New England’s ring ceremony set off of alarms.
- Pro Football Talk adds that there’s evidence of potential tampering come from photos, videos, other proof of interactions between Texans executive VP of team development Jack Easterby and Caserio at last Thursday’s Patriots ring ceremony.
The NFL’s anti-tampering policy states:
“Any interference by a member club with the employer-employee relationship of another club or any attempt by a club to impermissibly induce a person to seek employment with that club or with the NFL” is impermissible.
Recent reports indicated that this the Patriots could go this route, as they’re hoping to retain Caserio.
John McClain of the Houston Chronicle mentioned that he could see the Patriots claiming that the Texans tampered with Caserio, which could lead to possible compensation changing hands if Houston ends up hiring him.
McClain suggests a first-round pick, which would be similar to what New England gave up for hiring HC Bill Belichick away from the Jets back in 2000.
The Patriots couldn’t prevent Caserio from interviewing for a GM position that includes control over the team’s roster, given that he doesn’t have this in New England.
However, it appears as though the Patriots feel like they have a case against the Texans.
We’ll have more regarding this matter as the news is available.
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