New Orleans Saints star Cam Jordan is speaking up on behalf of his former teammate, Teddy Bridgewater.
The longtime defensive lineman posted his comments on social media after Bridgewater announced he's been suspended as the head coach at Miami Northwestern, his high school alma mater, for allegedly providing "impermissible benefits."
Bridgewater took to his Facebook page to confirm the suspension from Miami Northwestern, and said he self reported all expenses. In another Facebook post, Bridgewater said he paid for his players to get Uber rides back home after practice, catered meals, recovery treatment and re-painted fields last season. In his first year as head coach, Miami Northwestern won the Class 3A state championship.
Despite the decision to be suspended, Bridgewater said he's not abandoning his community and he will even volunteer from the bleachers like he's done in the past if he has to.
"The details make this a tad frustrating," Jordan said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Huh? I could see if this was pre-NIL, and even then ... Coach cared too much for the kids, huh?"
Jordan's post responded to Jordan Schultz's post of the story on social media, relaying the figures Bridgewater cited in his Facebook post: $14,000 to host a camp; $9,500 for team pride sets; $2,200 a week for pregame meals; $1,300 a week for recovery; $700 a week for Ubers.
"And he’s being penalized for that?" Schultz wrote. "Absolutely shameful. These are the kind of servant leaders our communities need. What message does this send to the next Teddy Bridgewater?"
Northwestern athletic director Andre Williams told Walter Villa of the Miami Herald Bridgewater was bound to be disciplined because of Florida High School Athletic Association rules.
"FHSAA rules address transportation in the context of student eligibility and potential violations of impermissible benefits," Williams wrote in a text message, according to Bleacher Report's Doric Sam. "Specifically, a coach cannot provide free or reduced-cost transportation to a student, nor can they purchase anything for a student. No comment other than the policy."
After Bridgewater coached Miami Northwestern to a state championship, he returned to the NFL to back up Jared Goff with the Detroit Lions through the end of the regular season and playoffs.
Bridgewater played with Jordan and the Saints in 2018 and 2019.