Teams could be docked draft picks for poor conduct during the NFL Draft interview process, according to a memo obtained by The Associated Press. If club officials are found to be “disrespectful, inappropriate, or unprofessional,” their team will lose a draft pick between Rounds 1-4 and be fined no less than $150K.
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“We aim for dignity, respect and professionalism,” league exec Troy Vincent said. “It’s that simple.”
According to the memo, individual club employees could also be subject to fines and suspensions. Meanwhile, the league also announced plans to change the evaluation process. The Wonderlic test, for example, is now off the table.
The interview process has led to controversy in the past. In 2010, Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland asked a young wide receiver by the name of Dez Bryant if his mother a prostitute. And, in 2016, Falcons head coach Dan Quinn inquired on cornerback Eli Apple‘s sexual preference. Both Ireland and Quinn apologized for their behavior — under the new guidelines, such conduct would cost their teams significant draft capital.
The new rules will be in full effect at the 2022 Combine, which begins on March 1st in Indianapolis.
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