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NFL threatens 'discipline' for violations of alcohol policy

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell attends an NFL International Series game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks at Allianz Arena. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL reportedly threatens 'significant discipline' for violations of alcohol policy

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/18/22

The NFL reportedly has left no doubt about its alcohol policies after Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing was arrested for driving under the influence and speeding early Friday morning.

"In light of recent events, clubs are reminded that league policy prohibits alcoholic beverages, including beer, in the locker rooms, practice or office facilities, or while traveling on team buses or planes at any time during the preseason, regular season or postseason," reads a memo reportedly sent to teams Friday that was shared by Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. "This applies to all players, coaches, club personnel, and guests traveling with your team.

"This policy has been in place for many years ... Violations of this important policy will be taken seriously and will result in significant discipline."

Full text of the memo from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, which was sent hours after #Titans OC Todd Downing was arrested on suspicion of DUI after the team’s win at Green Bay. pic.twitter.com/XT7QjIZPmr
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 18, 2022

The "significant discipline" wasn't specified in the memo or by Bromberg.

The Titans improved to 7-3 on the season via Thursday's prime-time 27-17 win at the Green Bay Packers and then flew back to Nashville. Bromberg notes the Titans' team plane finished that journey at approximately 2:07 a.m., while Tony Garcia of Nashville's WSMV reported Downing was pulled over at around 2:30 a.m. local time.

Following Downing's arrest, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the league has "a policy that prohibits alcohol on team planes or buses" and had "been in contact with the Titans regarding the matter which will be reviewed." McCarthy added all personnel, including coaches, are subject to potential discipline for violating that policy.

McCarthy's email to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio was sent the same week the Washington Commanders went viral for a video that showed quarterback Taylor Heinicke holding a beer while traveling on Washington's team plane:

Taylor Heinicke post W rocking the chains, glasses but wins with the Busch Light (Whadddd?) @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/OiAfpK73ml
— Danny Favret (@Danny_Favret) November 15, 2022

Pelissero offered an update on the Washington situation on Friday evening:

The #Commanders disciplined multiple players after social media videos showed them drinking on the flight back from Monday night’s win in Philadelphia, per sources.

Ron Rivera reached out to the league Tuesday morning and addressed it in a team meeting. No NFL discipline coming.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 18, 2022

An NFL spokesman said of the #Commanders: “The league reviewed the matter this week and we’re satisfied with the discipline administered by the club.”

The NFL is still reviewing the #Titans situation from last night. Mike Vrabel said the club is cooperating with the league.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 18, 2022

As of Friday evening, it wasn't known if Downing will attend Tennessee's Week 12 home game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 27.

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