Chiefs lose appeal for tampering ruling that cost them a 3rd-round pick

The Kansas City Chiefs lost their appeal of the NFL’s decision to strip the team of a third-round pick for tampering with Jeremy Maclin in its pursuit of him in free agency last year, according to Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star.

When the punishment was announced earlier in March, team chairman and CEO Clark Hunt released a statement that said the team would “explore [its] options under the appeal process.” He then confirmed that the team would appeal, but the team was informed on Monday that other than a reduction in the fine from $250,000 to $200,000, the punishment would stand.

“We appreciate the opportunity to make our appeal on this matter, and we acknowledge the minor reduction in fines imposed,” Hunt said in a statement on Monday. “However, we continue to believe that the facts of this case combined with the league’s inconsistent enforcement of its tampering policies do not warrant the most severe penalty for player-related tampering in league history.”

The Chiefs were docked a third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and a sixth-round pick in 2017, along with hefty fines for the team, head coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey. The punishment stemmed from the negotiations done by the Chiefs with Maclin while he was still technically a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

As part of the legal tampering period, the Chiefs were allowed to speak to and court Maclin, but couldn’t reach an agreement before the new league year began and he officially became a free agent. However, a contract for Maclin was reportedly agreed to two days before free agency began.

“Having exhaused our options under the appeal process, we are turning the page on this issue and look forward to continuing our preparations for the 2016 season,” Hunt said.

Maclin finished his first season with the Chiefs with 87 receptions for 1,088 yards and eight touchdowns.