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The Washington Commanders are facing tampering allegations for their reported pursuit of retired quarterback Andrew Luck, but they seem to have avoided any punishment.
According to Mark Maske and Nicki Jhabvala of Washington PostCommanders are “unlikely to face any sanctions” stemming from the allegations.
Earlier this month, the Indianapolis Colts reportedly asked the NFL to investigate the Commanders for allegedly contacting Luck last offseason while the team was deciding its next starting quarterback. Luck suddenly retired before the 2019 season at age 29 and the Colts still have his contractual rights. A report from ESPN’s John Keim says Washington is “even calling the part on the retired Andrew Luck, just in case” before trading to Indianapolis to acquire quarterback Carson Wentz.
However, Maske and Jhabvala reported at the time that a source within Luck’s camp said Washington had not contacted the 33-year-old, his father or his uncle, who was his agent during his playing career.
A source told Maske and Jhabvala that it was determined there was “not enough strong evidence” of unauthorized contact with the Commanders and the situation would likely “fall away.” It also reported that “it does not appear that the NFL has launched a formal investigation into the allegation.”
At the time of his retirement, Luck said he felt “exhausted” from sustaining so many injuries over the course of his short career. The 2012 No. 1 overall pick is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2018.
The Commanders are set to go with second-year quarterback Sam Howell as their starter for the 2023 season.
