DETROIT – The NFL says the Detroit Lions have violated the league's policy against tampering and ruled they must forfeit their upcoming seventh-round draft pick and exchange fifth-round picks with the Kansas City Chiefs.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued the ruling Friday for violations last year involving players under contract with the Chiefs. The fifth-round switch leaves the Lions with the 23rd pick in the round instead of the ninth.
The league says the Lions commented publicly to the media about their desire to acquire Chiefs players under contract, and that they had impermissible contact with a player – or his agent – under contract with Kansas City.
Either team can appeal the decision. The Lions said they have no comment on the ruling.