Initial Disqualification
The New York Jets initially barred Ashley Castanio-Gervasi from competing in a $100,000 field-goal contest at halftime of Sunday’s game against the Patriots. The team cited a technicality: she is a high-school soccer coach.
Castanio-Gervasi said she had informed the team that she previously played Division I college soccer. She was surprised by the disqualification. “This is life-changing money for me,” she told the New York Post. “I was confident I could have made it. This was the first time I was hearing of any of these coaching questions.”
Jets Change Course
After the Post published the story on Thursday, the Jets reversed their decision on Friday. They will now allow Castanio-Gervasi to participate alongside three other finalists in the “Kick for Cash” competition.
The team issued a statement saying, “We realized there was an unfortunate misunderstanding regarding Ashley’s eligibility for the contest. In an effort to remedy the situation, we are allowing her to kick this Sunday for an opportunity to win the prize.
Background on the Contest
The Jets had informed Castanio-Gervasi on Monday that she wasn’t eligible under the rules. These rules bar recent players and coaches from Olympic, college, and high-school soccer, rugby, and football teams. She had already qualified for the contest by making a 20-yard field goal at a tailgate event in October.
