Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has been suspended for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year due to providing impermissible benefits to athletes while coaching at Miami Northwestern High School. The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced the suspension, which was initially handed down by Northwestern and subsequently approved by the FHSAA.
The suspension stems from Bridgewater's own admission on social media that he spent significant sums of money to support his players. These expenses included $700 per week on Uber rides to ensure their safety getting home, $14,000 for a preseason training camp, $9,500 on Northwestern-branded clothing, $1,300 weekly for postgame recovery trucks, and $2,200 per week for pregame meals. This totals a substantial investment in the program and the well-being of his players.
Bridgewater explained his actions by stating that he viewed his players as his sons and wanted to protect them, especially given the tough neighborhood surrounding Miami Northwestern High School. He felt that providing transportation ensured their safety, preventing potentially dangerous walks home.
In addition to Bridgewater's suspension, Northwestern was also reprimanded and fined $2,500 by the FHSAA. However, $2,250 of the fine will be returned to the school if no further violations occur.
Bridgewater left his coaching position on August 4th to pursue a return to the NFL, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a backup to Baker Mayfield. He had led Northwestern to a Class 3A state championship in 2024, earning him the Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year award and finishing the season ranked No. 6 in Florida.
The team has appointed Jaquatin Victrum, a Northwestern alumnus, as interim head coach. The Bulls are currently 1-1 on the season.
What are 'Impermissible Benefits'?
The FHSAA defines 'impermissible benefits' as any aid, support, or advantage given to student-athletes that is not explicitly allowed under their rules. These rules are designed to maintain a level playing field and prevent schools from gaining an unfair advantage by providing resources that other schools may not be able to afford.
The Fallout
The suspension highlights the complexities of supporting student-athletes, particularly in under-resourced communities. While Bridgewater's intentions were clearly benevolent, his actions were deemed to be in violation of FHSAA regulations. The situation raises questions about how to best support student-athletes while adhering to the rules and ensuring fair play.