Former NFL star Teddy Bridgewater recently confirmed to the public that he was suspended from his coaching position at Miami Northwestern High School, and fans and people from the NFL reacted in defense of the former Pro Bowler.
Teddy Bridgewater
Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater runs off the field after 42-17 win over the Denver Broncos at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.
As Teddy Bridgewater faced suspension as coach for his high school alma mater’s football team, one defender who voiced out his frustration with the outcome was former NFL safety and now football analyst Louis Riddick.
In a post on X, Riddick blasted the people who made the decisions to suspend Bridgewater, particularly for the reason that it was given.
“Who is making these rules? Who comes up with this sh!t? Seriously,” Riddick said in his post. “It just makes zero sense. Think about the message that is being sent by suspending this man. We are so f’ed with this kind of thing happening. Wow.”
Who is making these rules? Who comes up with this sh!t? Seriously. It just makes zero sense. Think about the message that is being sent by suspending this man. We are so f’ed with this kind of thing happening. Wow.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) July 14, 2025
Terry Bridgewater
Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (12) warms up before the game between San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.
Bridgewater was suspended from his position as coach duer to violations of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) rules regarding “impermissible benefits” provided to the players under his care.
Bridgewater reportedly used funds out of his own pocket to cover team and player expenses such as weekly Uber rides, pre-game meals, and athletic recovery service for his team. The amount spent reportedly went up to thousands of dollars per week.
Terry Bridgewater
Terry Bridgewater. Credits: Yahoo!
The FHSAA prohibits financial assistance to student athletes unless it will be administered through official school channels or state-approved programs. Bridgewater’s actions, through well-intended, were ultimately deemed to be in violation of these regulations.
The situation of his suspension sparked widespread support for Bridgewater, with many praising his dedication to the players and his community.
Teddy Bridgewater Opens Up About His Suspension: “I’m Not Going Anywhere”
In a Facebook post, Teddy Bridgewater openly discussed the situation of his suspension as coach for his alma mater’s high school team. He clarified that there was never any investigation that happened, and that he “self-reported.”
“(Associate head coach Verne Louis) and his Administrative homeboys want me gone apparently and tried to hire one of my dawgs like bro wasn’t gone lace me up,” he said in his post. “The suspension came from MNW and it’s impossible to suspend someone who doesn’t work for you. So if im suspended from MNW im free to go to another school of my choice but IM NOT GOING ANYWHERE.”
Teddy Bridgewater paid out of pocket for training camp ($14K), pride sets ($9,500), pregame meals ($2,200/wk), recovery ($1,300/wk), Ubers ($700/wk), field paint ($300/wk).
He did this as a VOLUNTEER, not employee. We shouldn’t be punishing people for improving their community. https://t.co/rfF4ezj2Iq pic.twitter.com/CC6O827b2F
— Master (@MasterTes) July 14, 2025
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Jan 18, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (12) hands the ball off during the second quarter against the Washington Commanders in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
He also added that he would be ready to even volunteer for the team, should he officially lose his job capacity.
“And if it comes down to it, I will volunteer from the bleachers like I used to in 2018 and 2019 when no one had a problem.”
Teddy Bridgewater also stated in his post that it would be the last time he would talk about the issue.
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