One of Pete Carroll’s mantras is, “Always compete.” But the Seattle coach might have to amend that to, “Compete at your own risk,” after the NFL and the NFL Players Association stripped the Seahawks of two organized team activity (OTS) practices on Tuesday
Using practice video to confirm the infraction, the league and the union determined the Seahawks violated the Collective Bargaining Agreement’s offseason workout rules regarding contact during OTAs.
According to the new CBA, contact is defined as “live” blocking, tackling, one-on-one pass rush drills, bump-and-run coverage on the perimeter defensively or the use of pads. The use of helmets is allowed.
The Seahawks lost OTAs scheduled for today and Thursday, along with an additional offseason workout on Friday. Carroll will be allowed to hold the team’s final minicamp, a three-day camp that starts Tuesday.
The Seahawks are the first team to be punished for such violations under the new CBA, which went into effect in August.
Carroll expressed his regret for his team being punished and chalked it up as a learning experience.
“We have talked all of the talk … about taking care of one another, working to make it safe and playing within the guidelines,” Carroll said. “And we probably have stretched the limits, obviously, by this indication.”
During an OTA witnessed by reporters two weeks ago, receiver Ben Obomanu and rookie defensive back Jeremy Lane got into a shoving match after the whistle. It escalated when safety Earl Thomas and receivers Doug Baldwin and Mike Williams jumped in to protect their teammates.
A few plays later, rookie safety DeShawn Shead knocked Baldwin off his feet when he delivered a blow while attempting to defend a pass intended for Baldwin.
NFL NOTEBOOK
Former Washington State receiver Jared Karstetter was released by Detroit. … Terrell Owens has fired agent Drew Rosenhaus and plans to return to the NFL after sitting out 2011, he said.
eric.williams@thenewstribune.com @eric_d_williams McClatchy news services contributed to this report
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