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NFL reportedly issues memo to teams on pregame fighting, threatens disqualification

Multiple inter-squad fights broke out on the field during pregame warmups in Week 6, and the NFL has had just about enough of that tomfoolery, thank you very much.

According to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, the NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams last week reminding them about the rules concerning pregame scuffles and the consequences that come with ignoring them. Teams are to warm up behind their own 45-yard line, and any players who ignore that and start a fight with the other team could be disqualified from the game and/or face other punishment.

"Sportsmanship and respect are at the core of NFL football, and fighting is irreconcilable with these values," the memo reads, via CBS Sports. "Fighting is never acceptable, as it risks unnecessary injury to players, coaches, officials, and other game day personnel. These actions send an inappropriate and unacceptable message to players, coaches, and fans at all other levels of the game."

The Browns and 49ers got into a pregame scuffle before Week 6, and the NFL has sent a warning to all teams because of that incident and another. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
The Browns and 49ers got into a pregame scuffle before Week 6, and the NFL has sent a warning to all teams because of that incident and another. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

The San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns got into a shoving match before their Week 6 matchup. It's unclear what sparked the skirmish, but Niners wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk were in the middle, as was offensive tackle Trent Williams. No players were ejected, but officials carefully monitored the sideline for the rest of the game in case things got a little chippy again.

Then the next day the Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers threw hands before they faced off on Monday night. Unlike the Niners-Browns scuffle, punches were actually thrown during this one, and Austin Ekeler's helmet popped off after he got hit.

Pregame fighting is rare, so two fights in one weekend is reason for the NFL to take notice. It wants to nip this in the bud before it has a chance to become a trend.

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