Teddy Bridgewater suspended from Miami Northwestern for allegedly giving impermissible benefits to his players
Bridgewater confirmed the suspension, and said he was committed to staying with Miami Northwestern even though the team suspended him.
"The suspension came from MNW and it's impossible to suspend someone who doesn't work for you. So if im suspended from MNW im free to go to another school of my choice but IM NOT GOING ANYWHERE.
"And if it comes down to it, I will volunteer from the bleachers like I used to in 2018 and 2019 when no one had a problem."
The suspension may stem from a post Bridgewater put on Facebook on July 7. In the post, Bridgewater revealed he covered Uber rides, meals and recovery services for his players last season. He asked fans to donate and cover those expenses this year so they wouldn't have to come directly from his pocket.
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That apparently drew the attention of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). An official with the FHSAA, Kelvin Richardson, told Rivals those allegations were sent to Miami Northwestern and that the FHSAA are working to gain more information.
The FHSAA has come down on other schools for similar violations, per Rivals.
There is recent precedent for the FHSAA punishing programs for players receiving free meals and Uber rides. Last fall, several players at The First Academy were found to have received impermissible benefits, including a free Uber ride. The FHSAA hit the Royals with a two-year postseason ban and a $36,000 fine as a result.
It's unclear whether Miami Northwestern will receive additional punishments following Bridgewater's suspension.
Prior to coaching at Miami Northwestern — his alma mater — Bridgewater spent 10 seasons in the NFL. He originally joined the league as a first-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings. After making the Pro Bowl in his second season, Bridgewater sustained a dislocated knee and tore multiple ligaments during training camp. He returned in 2017, though he mostly spent time as a backup the rest of his career.
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Following the 2023 NFL season, Bridgewater retired to coach Miami Northwestern. He led the team to a state championship in his first year, and then unretired from the NFL to join the Detroit Lions late last season. He served as Jared Goff's backup and did not appear in a regular-season game.
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