Appeal Your Fine(s)!

Adler Sports Group is the consummate player advocate in combating team and league-imposed fines.  Our mission is simple: we strive to give sound advice and representation to players that have been fined to ultimately keep players’ game checks intact.  We represent the player’s interest throughout the fine process, which includes pre-appeal and appellate representation but also offer classroom services that teach players bright-line rules, fundamentals, and best techniques to avoid fineable situations.

For on-field discipline, we review fine letters and the play in question, opine on the merits of fine levied, and argue on players’ behalf at their appeal.

We offer a flexible service that allows players to pick and choose which of our services will suit their situation best.  For players that are a constant target of league discipline we even offer retainer services to ensure no fine is overlooked.

We also offer off-field and COVID-related discipline services, which we accept on a case-by-case basis.

Pursuant to the NFL League Operations site, “the NFL uses the fine schedule to outline the league’s and the union’s expectations for players to conduct themselves in a way that honors the sport and respects the game, their fellow players, the fans and the league.”

Although the league claims that rules are intended to “protect the players from unnecessary risk, promote player safety and emphasize sportsmanship and respect of teammates, opponents, coaches, officials and fans” – players are routinely fined for actions that were unavoidable, minor, and/or did not occur entirely.

Too often, the player and/or their representation does not understand the process and/or know what to look for when analyzing their chances at appealing discipline.  Unfortunately, this routinely leads to players losing hard-earned game checks from not appealing the fine or arguing theories that will not reduce or rescind their fine.

 Adler Sports Group can help.

 Our service is driven by our hands-on experience in levying and adjudicating on-field fines from the league perspective.  Adler Sports Group has years of experience in the trenches in reviewing film, analyzing the rule book, understanding techniques, and discussing best methods.  We know how the league approaches the process and seeks to use that knowledge in assisting players throughout the appeal process.

 Inquire further about our services here (link to e-mail).

The on-field fine/appeal process is as such:

Players subject to fine(s) will receive a letter informing them of the alleged violation, a video of the play in question, and an explanation of why they are being fined/the rule they violated, and the amount of the fine. The letter also includes information on how to appeal the fine. If the player chooses not to appeal, the fine is withheld from their next game check.

If a player appeals a fine levied by the league, he will then schedule a hearing with the NFL, which is then assigned to one of the league’s current appeals officers, Derrick Brooks or James Thrash. The appeals officer will review the play and at the appeal, the player has a chance to present his defense. After the appeal, the officer will make a ruling on the outcome of the fine, which in most circumstances is final and binding.

If the discipline is upheld or reduced on appeal, the league withholds the amount of the fine from the player’s next check. If the player’s fine is rescinded, he will receive notification of the decision, and no money will be taken from his check. All decisions are received in writing.

Since 2009, about $4 million a year has been collected from the NFL fine process.  Although the fine money is directed to a charitable cause, players have the right to representation that will allow them to keep their hard-earned money in their pockets.  It is Adler Sports Group’s mission to assist players in navigating and winning every level of the process. Contact us today for an evaluation (link to e-mail).