An unfortunate reality of training camp is that it sometimes leads to fights between players, even on the same team. But it doesn’t sound like New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo is going to put up with that from his team.
During a recent press conference, Jerod Mayo sent a pretty clear warning to players that if they are going to fight during training camp, they will be punished accordingly.
“My message to the players: If you get in a fight out here, if you’re a starter, you’re going to play the whole preseason game. If you’re not a starter, you won’t play at all,” Mayo said according to Pro Football Talk.
Obviously, this punishment is fitting for both types of players. The returning starters and veterans don’t necessarily want to play the preseason games as it’s just extra work and a more physical toll on their bodies. Meanwhile, younger players trying to make a roster desperately need the preseason reps as they fight to make the team’s roster at the end of the preseason.
Needless to say, this is a pretty clear incentive for the players to avoid fighting during practice. We’ll have to see whether or not it works.
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