The Washington Commanders are in the midst of yet another scandal that has nothing to do with football. Defensive coordination Jack Del Rio spouted some controversial comments over the January 2021 capitol riot that led to him getting fined for $100,000.

Ron Rivera was asked about the decision to fine Del Rio for his comments. The Commanders head coach made sure to clarify what the $100,000 fine was about – less about free speech, more about how the comments and the circus that's come with them have become a “distraction” for the football team.

Via The Athletic's Ben Standig:

Rivera opens the Washington Commanders press conference discussing last week's conversation with Jack Del Rio. Said they two spoke again today. Says the issue wasn't JDR expressing his right to speech but how it affects the team. “This is about the impact on the team and the distraction it's become.”

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Rivera and Del Rio had their own conversations on the matter, the contents of which he did not divulge to the media. He also revealed that Del Rio spoke to portions of the Commanders team individually to address the issue directly.

With the NFL season just a few months away, the Washington Commanders are likely itching to put football first and leave their off-field drama behind them.