Categories: News

Carolina Panthers Will No Longer Bring Baseball Bats On The Field Before Games

After this weekend’s controversy, the Carolina Panthers will no longer carry a baseball bat on the field before games.

“Because I’ll hear it if I don’t [end it],” head coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday. “That’s the truth of the matter. I’m going to end up hearing it, so to avoid the set of circumstances let’s just eliminate it. That’s what we’re going to do. [The NFL], it’s the ‘No Fun League’ for a reason.”

The Panthers’ Bene’ Benwikere carried the bat onto the field before playing the Falcons to show the club’s intention to “keep bringing the wood.” After he went down with a broken leg, his teammates continued to carry the bat in his honor.

While Rivera insisted the bat controversy was a misunderstanding, the NFL also reminded teams that they are forbidden to bring foreign objects onto the field.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

“Teams and individual players may have items they use for motivation or to symbolize a theme that the team has used this season,” wrote NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent, who went on to say they were not allowed on the field at any time; violations can result in a suspension.

“For the purposes of this policy, ‘foreign objects’ broadly encompasses any item that is neither intrinsic to the game nor necessary to conduct pregame drills and treat and prepare players for the game. To be clear, items such as massage rollers, agility ladders, medicine balls, and any equipment to assist the medical and athletic training staffs in treating players are permitted.”

 

Photo:Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers rushes for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 25, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Joe Kozlowski

Recent Posts

Rays Make Call For Juan Soto, Spendthrift Team Jumps In With Heavy Spenders

Among a list of heavyweight franchises lining up to negotiate with star free agent outfielder…

8 hours ago

49ers’ Nick Bosa Hasn’t Received Fine For Wearing MAGA Hat On Air, Stands By Actions

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa told reporters that he has not yet received…

8 hours ago

Mavericks’ Luka Doncic Vows To Get Klay Thompson More Involved After Slow Start

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic spoke to reporters on Wednesday after a 119-99 win over…

1 day ago

Sixers’ Paul George Upset Over Boos From Clippers Fans In L.A. Homecoming

Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George received a mixed homecoming upon returning to Los Angeles to…

1 day ago

VIDEO: Fans Do ‘Belly Slides’ During Downpour At San Paulo Grand Prix

https://youtu.be/3QeEB90968Y Formula 1 fans made the most of the situation after the Qualification round for…

2 days ago

Chicago Bears DB Tyrique Stevenson Apologizes To Team After Blunder On Hail Mary

Losing on a Hail Mary is difficult for any team to swallow, but Chicago Bears…

2 days ago