NFL Tickets
It was reported by ESPN before the Monday night game between the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins that there was some animosity from the Redskins towards the Giants. Why is that so? That stems from the salary cap penalties imposed on the Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys by the NFL.
Giants’ owner John Mara was one of the forces behind the punishment levied to both teams, which for the Redskins was a $36 million salary cap hit split among two seasons. A particular quote from Mara, however, had the Redskins riled up.
“Quite frankly, I think they’re lucky they didn’t lose any draft picks,” Mara stated after the punishment was handed out. Apparently, the Redskins believe Mara was trying to get the Redskins to lose draft picks so they wouldn’t have much compensation for the St. Louis Rams.
If you remember, the Rams had the second pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. However, they already have a franchise quarterback in QB Sam Bradford, so they were more than willing to deal with any team for that pick. The Redskins were able to provide enough pick to the Rams to slide up to that second spot, mainly because they were able to keep their picks.
The Redskins used Mara’s quotes as motivation during last night’s win. I am not sure when the Redskins started feeling this way about Mara’s quotes because it didn’t appear the Redskins were feeling this way when they had to play in MetLife Stadium back in October.
Redskins’ owner Daniel Snyder had some choice words for Mara and the Giants. The Redskins have not had a lot of good to look upon since Snyder purchased the team in the late 90s. Now with the acquisition of QB Robert Griffin III with that second pick, the Redskins maybe getting a little cocky now.
When Mara stated they were lucky they didn’t lose any draft picks, he couldn’t have been more correct. In issues where tampering or cheating the system is involved, teams usually lose draft picks. It’s common in the NFL for them to take draft picks away once something like this comes about.
What the Cowboys and Redskins did in that 2010 off-season to warrant the penalties was clever and shrewd thinking. The NFL agreed to play the 2010 season uncapped. So when it came down to giving players long-term contracts, the Redskins and Cowboys front-loaded them so they could be paid the majority of the money in that uncapped season.
Commissioner Roger Goodell was not amused at the actions of both teams. He took action, which were harsh salary cap hits for both teams. However, if he would’ve taken away their picks, the Redskins would not be celebrating Griffin III right now. I see why they would be upset at that. Mara was just telling the truth.
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