It could possibly lead to suspensions.
Over 100 NFL players could reportedly face discipline from the league for selling their Super Bowl tickets for above face value, according to ESPN.
An agreement between the league and the NFL Players Association states that players who violate the rule face fines of one and a half times the face value of the ticket, plus losing the tickets they’re allotted for the next two Super Bowls.
If a player who was in violation is playing in the Super Bowl, they still wouldn’t get their tickets from the NFL. They would have to purchase their own.
If a player does not accept that punishment, they could potentially face suspensions, but this outcome is considered unlikely. No specific players were named, but ESPN reports the number is “in excess of 100.”
The story also states that some players have already accepted the standard punishment to avoid the potential of a suspension.
Some players may have worked with “bundlers,” which is an individual or group that gathers large groups of tickets to sell on ticket resellers. Players or league employees involved with bundlers could face increased penalties, per ESPN.
“Our initial investigation has determined that a number of NFL players and coaches, employed by several NFL Clubs, sold Super Bowl tickets for more than the ticket’s face value in violation of the policy,” a memo from NFL chief compliance officer Sabrina Perel said. It was sent to all 32 teams.
“This long-standing League Policy, which is specifically incorporated into the Collective Bargaining Agreement, prohibits League or Club employees, including players, from selling NFL game tickets acquired from their employer for more than the ticket’s face value or for an amount greater than the employee originally paid for the ticket, whichever is less.”
Hopefully, no Cincinnati Bengals were involved…