The Chiefs yesterday lost the their appeal of the NFL's tampering ruling stemming from talks with WR Jeremy Maclin, which means they "will forfeit their third-round draft pick this year and sixth-round pick next year," though the team's fine "was reduced from $250,000 to $200,000," according to Terez Paylor of the K.C. STAR. Additionally, coach Andy Reid's fine "was reduced from $75,000 to $60,000," though GM John Dorsey's "fine of $25,000 stands." The NFL said that the infraction came in March '15 when the team "had direct contact" with then-free agent Maclin
"during the negotiating period, which is prohibited." The Chiefs "eventually signed Maclin" to a five-year, $55M contract. Chiefs Chair & CEO Clark Hunt in March said that he "felt the club was transparent and cooperative with the league, and was disappointed with the severity of the league's punishment" (K.C. STAR, 4/19). ESPN BOSTON's Mike Reiss writes the Chiefs losing their appeal serves "as a reminder of the longshot odds for teams in the appeal process." He notes these are "tough spots for owners like" Patriots Owner Robert Kraft, with Deflategate, and Hunt because "when you're appealing to the commissioner who imposed the initial penalty, it's simply not a fair fight" (ESPNBOSTON.com, 4/19). In K.C., Vahe Gregorian writes of the Chiefs' signing of Maclin, "Desired result achieved. Damage done. Better off for it. Shrug and say sorry." The team can turn the page "knowing it still was worth it for a player who not only changed the fundamental dynamics of the offense but also imposed his fierce will on those around him." Maclin yesterday when asked if he believed he was worth a third-round pick said, "I hope so." Gregorian: "So we can stew in the ruling and wonder how the NFL came to its conclusion in the first place. ... But in the end, it’s still ... advantage, Chiefs" (K.C. STAR, 4/19).
