Despite Andrew Luck denying the Washington Commanders contacted him, the Indianapolis Colts wants the NFL to look into possible tampering violation.
On Saturday, ESPN’s John Keim dropped a nugget that the Commanders phoned Luck to gauge his interest in coming out of retirement during Washington’s quarterback search during the 2022 offseason.
Luck retired during the 2019 preseason after just seven years in the NFL, all with the Colts. He retired with three years remaining on his $122.9 million, five-year deal. While he stopped playing football nearly four years ago, the Colts still hold his rights.
Any contact by an NFL team without the Colts’ permission may violate the NFL’s tampering policy.
Colts owner Jim Irsay issued a stern warning late Sunday night in response to Keim’s report.
“If any NFL team attempted to contact Andrew Luck (or any associated of him… to play for their Franchise – it would be a clear Violation of the League’s Tampering Policy,” Irsay tweeted.
Andrew Luck’s camp told Nick Jahabvala of The Washington Post the Commanders did not contact either Luck, his father Oliver, or his uncle, who was his agent during his playing career.
Despite Luck’s denial, the Colts have asked the NFL to look into possible tampering by the Commanders, according to The Washington Post. The Colts want the league to determine if Washington made improper contact through intermediaries. Indianapolis does not want the situation to get dismissed without properly being investigated.
Keim appeared on 106.7 the Fan’s BMitch and Finlay Show Monday. While he didn’t go into specifics, Keim implied the Commanders asked about Luck’s availability through the Colts.
It’s worth noting Keim reported about the Commanders’ interest in Andrew Luck last year after Washington acquired Carson Wentz from the Colts in a trade. Saturday, Keim revisited the matter to detail how the Commanders decided to make Sam Howell the starting quarterback for the 2023 season. Instead, the report created an unexpected firestorm.
Irsay’s response may have more to do with his ongoing beef with Commanders owner Dan Snyder than the fact a team tried to lure Luck away.
Last year, Irsay was the first owner to speak out against Snyder following several investigations into him and the team for sexual harassment, workplace misconduct, and financial improprieties.
Irsay said there was merit for Snyder’s removal from ownership. The Commanders responded, saying Irsay violated the NFL’s constitution by publicly speaking against a league official.
The NFL expects Snyder to sell the Commanders in the coming months. Snyder has a $6.05 billion agreement with Josh Harris and his investors’ group to purchase the franchise from Snyder. Now, Irsay may want to give Snyder another investigation on his way out.