Former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been suspended from Miami Northwestern, his high school alma mater, after providing impermissible benefits to his players.
As reported by Yahoo Sports, Bridgewater confirmed the suspension in a social media post Sunday, and said he was committed to staying with Miami Northwestern even though the team suspended him.
Former NFL quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been suspended from Miami Northwestern, his high school alma mater, after providing impermissible benefits to his players.
As reported by Yahoo Sports, Bridgewater confirmed the suspension in a social media post Sunday, 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," Bridgewater wrote. "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 which he 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, Chris Cwik of Yahoo Sports reported.
Related: Coach Who Paid $700 a Week for Players' Uber Rides Draws Scrutiny
That apparently drew the attention of the Florida High School Athletic Association, which a spokesperson said is working to gain more information. The FHSAA has shared the allegations with Miami Northwestern.
"His intention? Level the playing field for students who come from economically challenged families, ensuring they had the same chances as anyone else," The Economic Times wrote Monday. "But within Florida’s strict high school athletics framework, these gestures fall under 'impermissible benefits.' ”
Many high school athletic departments, especially in underserved communities, lack the funds for travel, meals, medical care, or equipment, The Economic Times continued.
The Economic Times appeared to take Bridgewater's side in the controversy, writing, "He returned to his roots and led the team to a state title in just his first season. He paused a budding NFL return to pour his time—and money—into the program. His transparent appeal for public support was as much a call to community solidarity as it was a plea for resources. He didn’t just coach football; he sought to build a foundation — literally and figuratively — for economically disadvantaged kids."
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