Getty Images
The decision to impose a one-game suspension on receiver Mike Evans is just part of the league’s response to the uproar between the Buccaneers and Saints on Sunday. The NFL also sent a message to the team and former head coach Bruce Arians.
Following Sunday’s incident, the NFL issued a warning letter to Arians and the Buccaneers, according to league sources with knowledge of the situation.
In general, Arians is normal on the bench, but during the altercation he was clearly a white stripe reserved for officials, players and coaches. He was also apparently involved in the verbal side of the mess.
It was not immediately clear what the warning was about. It has been speculated that the Buccaneers could face penalties during the game, while Arians could face fines and possibly even ejection from the bench. It probably won’t do it anyway.
“He will comply,” the source said.
The league realizes that having a former head coach act as an unofficial agitator and/or otherwise act as if he’s still a coach, even if he’s not, could be problematic. Good for the league to shut it down quickly and decisively.