The Mychal Kendricks saga took an interesting turn this evening, as the free agent linebacker signed a deal with the Seahawks. The 27-year-old recently pleaded guilty to insider trading after profiting more than $1MM from non-public investment information.
Even with the news that Kendrick was working out for Seattle earlier today, there was skepticism that the free agent would be able to secure a deal. After all, the charge would seemingly fall under the NFL’s personal-conduct policy, meaning the league could impose their own, separate punishment. “NFL PR Guy” Brian McCarthy told NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport that no decision has been made regarding a potential suspension (Twitter link).
“The matter is under review,” McCarthy said. “He is currently permitted to sign and participate in activities including games.”
Let’s take a look at some more notes and reactions to the Kendricks signing…
- ESPN’s Adam Schefter provides some clarification (via Twitter) on Kendricks’ sentencing and potential punishment. While the player was originally scheduled to be sentenced in December, Schefter says the date has been moved to late January. This is important when it comes to Kendricks’ playing status, as it’d mean he’d be able to play the entire season (barring a suspension). Schefter also notes that the linebacker is facing 30 to 37 months in prison, a far cry from the 25 years that was originally suggested.
- Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times writes that Kendricks pleading guilty to the charge likely contributed to the Seahawks decision to sign him. In fact, admitting to the crime was a bit shocking, and it led the judge to question whether he was coerced into the plea. “…I know I was wrong,” Kendricks said. “I know that I made the decision to accept information, secret information, and it wasn’t the right thing to do.”
- The reason to add another linebacker could be partly attributed to K.J. Wright‘s absence, as the veteran has been recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. While he’s expected to miss this weekend’s game, Pete Carroll sounded optimistic that the 29-year-old will return soon. “He’s running today,” Carroll said (via ESPN.com) .“He felt pretty good. We’ll see how he goes. He’s going day-to-day. He ran yesterday and he’s working out again today so — he hasn’t done that yet, but he’s making progress. He’s feeling pretty good.”
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll love the criminals
NFL has to take action. Set a president nothing to harsh, but harsh enough. No criminals should be allowed to be making millions.
Precedent.
Nothing too harsh just if you commit a crime you can no longer make millions playing what you love. That has to be the dumbest thing I’ve read. You don’t set a precedent on something like this. The dude is already gonna probably spend 3 years in prison. People make mistakes you have to give them second chances
That’s what McDonalds is for with a requirement never allowed to make one penny more then minimum wage for entire life.
Your an idiot
smh…
“Your an idiot” —- hahahaha please tell me you’re trying to be ironic
Hardly a year. First offense. Federal prison if anything at all. He could have gotten much less if he turned on his partner(s). But he didn’t. He taking it in the chin.
yikes
I would imagine he should be suspended at least 4 games. Insider trading is a big deal, as it should be. I don’t see how he can avoid jail time, will be interesting to watch this unfold.
Guy plead guilty to a federal charge and still isnt suspended. That’s hilarious.
It’s not like he smoked weed, geez.
Will his time in Cleveland count as time served?
Comment of the day!
“In fact, admitting to the crime was a bit shocking.”
It’s been so long since anyone associated with the NFL has been accountable for their actions that the league doesn’t even have a policy to deal with that. This is humorous on first glance but provides the public with a look at the corrupted mindset of those who are part of a millionaires club.