FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NFL-64                 11/13/98

BRONCOS FINED $15,000 FOR VIOLATING INJURY REPORT PROCEDURES

The Denver Broncos have been fined $15,000 for violating NFL policy on the reporting of injuries, the NFL announced today.

The fine was issued by NFL Executive Vice President Jeffrey Pash.

Broncos quarterback John Elway aggravated a previous injury to his rib cage area during warm-ups prior to last Sunday’s Broncos-San Diego Chargers game. Elway did not start the game and was able to play only one series against the Chargers. The Broncos did not make proper notification of Elway’s injury prior to Sunday as required by NFL rules, Pash said.

NFL rules require clubs to provide a list of all injured players to the NFL office each week on Wednesday and Thursday for distribution to the media. Teams are also obligated to update the report on Friday and Saturday as warranted. The policy notes with emphasis that clubs should "pay particular attention to key players such as quarterbacks."

Under the policy, players with minor injuries who are expected to play are to be listed as "probable." The "probable" category is defined as: "Virtual certainty that player will be available for normal duty."

Prior to last Sunday’s game, Elway had not been listed on the Broncos’ injury report this year with an injury to his rib cage.