League Fines: Where Does The Money Go?
I was scrolling through ESPN and came across an article stating that Clay Matthews (Green Bay Packers) would be fined $18,000+ for a hit that broke Brian Hoyer's (Chicago Bears) arm. The first thing that came to my mind, not to be uncompassionate, was "$18k for a broken arm!?" Now don't take my thoughts too personal. I agree the hit was fine-worthy, but $18k is pretty steep. Many people argue over the safety of professional sports players, on one side or the other, and it's not my job to say what's right or wrong. Reading this article just made me think about how much professional sports players get fined and where does the money actually go. So I did some research...
NFL - Money collected by the NFL from player fines goes towards programs that assist former NFL players. This money goes through the NFL Foundation then it split between to the NFL Player Care Foundation and the Gene Upshaw Players Association’s Players Assistance Trust. The Player Care Foundation, helps retired players improve the quality of life and has programs in place to assist former players with medical, emotional and financial issues.
MLB - With MLB money collected from fines goes into a central fund which is shared among the MLB's 30 teams, or it goes to a charity of the player's choice. Fines among the MLB are nothing compared to the fines in other leagues.
The Football Association - Let's not confuse The FA with American Football. However, The FA generates a TON of money from player and agent fines, yet they will not specifically disclose where this money is going. In a 2015 FA stated: "The FA is a not for profit organization that puts its funds back into football at every level of the game, including grassroots football."
NBA - In the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), it states that 50% of the amount collected from fines or suspensions will go to the NBA Player's Association Foundation (NBPA Foundation) or another charitable organization chosen by the NBPA Foundation. The remaining 50% goes to a charitable organization chosen by the NBA but approved by the NBPA.
I know there is, or was, someone out there who was wondering where all the money from player, coach and agent fines goes. I was pleased to find out that my favorite sports league (NBA) was among the may leagues that donate money collected from fines to charitable organizations.
Is your favorite league on the list? If so, what's your favorite team and what are some of the biggest fines any players on that team have been issued?
