Teddy Bridgewater’s Tragic Suspension

Teddy Bridgewater, a former NFL quarterback, stated that he was suspended from coaching his Miami high school team because he allegedly gave players impermissible benefits, which he claims he disclosed to the school, amid an investigation by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).

Teddy Bridgewater’s Response

Bridgewater acknowledged the suspension in a Facebook post. He stated, “The suspension came from MNW, and it’s impossible to suspend someone who doesn’t work for you. So if I’m suspended from MNW, I’m free to go to another school of my choice, but I’m NOT GOING ANYWHERE,” Bridgewater wrote on Facebook. “And if it comes down to it, I will volunteer from the bleachers like I used to in 2018 and 2019 when no one had a problem.”

Teddy Bridgewater Coaching

Bridgewater finished his first season as coach of his old school last autumn, having guided it to a Class 3A state championship. After that, he signed a contract with Detroit in late December to be a backup for the Lions before the NFL Playoffs began.

In a previous social media post, Bridgewater claimed to have covered the players’ transportation, meals, and medical care throughout the last season. He asked for donations this year to assist with those expenses. In his most recent social media post, Bridgewater stated that he had reported those expenses to the school.

Donation Request

Last week, Teddy Bridgewater requested donations to cover player expenses, including pregame meals and Uber rides. Bridgewater said in a separate post, “Today I’m coming to you on behalf of the football team and seeking donations to assist our boys this season and to help me carry the load so I no longer have to take from my funds to keep smiles on these young men’s faces and remind them that they matter,” he wrote.

“From daily Uber rides to feeding the boys MLK ($1500 a week) every morning following our morning training sessions, to feeding the boys catered pasta during the season, to pride sets, to training camp—I cover ALL THE EXPENSES.”

FHSAA Investigation

The FHSAA is now investigating the situation. There is precedent. The First Academy was fined $36,000 and banned from the postseason for two years in 2024 after providing free food and transportation to students, which is comparable to Bridgewater’s predicament.

Pro football greats like Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and Shannon Sharpe praised Bridgewater, cautioning lawmakers about the “slippery slope” that could result from penalizing good intentions. In support of him, parents, supporters, and local authorities have praised his dedication to helping impoverished student-athletes.

Conclusion

Teddy Bridgewater’s suspension was due to his provision of unapproved financial assistance to his high school student-athletes, despite having the best of intentions. His openness led to an investigation by the FHSAA and Miami Northwestern High School. The outcome could influence how benefit rules are regulated moving forward, especially when high-profile coaches give back to their communities.