In a season full of misfires, the New York Jets managed to add one more — botching a simple fan giveaway before reversing course under public pressure.
The Jets turned what should have been a harmless and uplifting halftime promotion into another organizational headache this week, after public backlash over their decision to strip a lifelong fan of her chance to compete a $100,000 field-goal challenge.
The controversy stemmed from a “Kick for Cash” contest that had been arranged for a Jets home game, with the team initially inviting Ashley Castanio-Gervasi, a longtime season-ticket holder, to attempt a kick in honour of her late father. Days later, the Jets abruptly rescinded the opportunity, citing eligibility concerns that Castanio-Gervasi said were not clearly communicated beforehand.
Castanio-Gervasi, a Long Island high school soccer coach and a former NCAA goalkeeper, made a qualifying 20-yarder at a tailgate event during the Jets vs. Carolina Panthers game back in October.
But she was told Monday she could not compete in Sunday’s on-field “Kick for Cash” contest at halftime of the Jets vs. New York Patriots game, The New York Post reported Thursday. The newspaper also put the story on its front page.
Castanio-Gervasi was barred from the finals on short notice over an insurance technicality against coaches and recent athletes from the high school to the Olympic levels.
The move quickly sparked criticism online, forcing the team to reverse course on their decision.
“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,” the Jets said in a statement to The New York Post on Friday.
“We value the passion and loyalty of our fans and are committed to creating memorable experiences.”
The kicking distance for the finals remains a mystery until the contest is held on Sunday.
The woeful Jets are 3-12 and will extend their playoff drought streak to an NFL-active-high 15 seasons after next week's finale.
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