The New York Jets have reconsidered their decision to disqualify a fan from a $100,000 kicking competition after a considerable backlash on social media.
The team was reported by the New York Post on Thursday to have canceled season ticket-holder Ashley Castanio-Gervasi’s spot in the finals of its “Kick for Cash” competition this weekend due to her work as a high school soccer coach.
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Castanio-Gervasi told the Post the team reached out to her after seeing her kick at a tailgate in September and asked her to join the competition, without asking if she was a coach mentioning any rules banning coaches. Castanio-Gervasi also reportedly told the employees she was a Division I soccer player in college, playing goalkeeper for Stony Brook University from 2010 to 2014.
Her recollection, from the Post:
“These two workers for the New York Jets kind of chased me down and invited me back to get into this competition,” she recalled. “The one question I was asked was if I played college soccer, and how long ago.”
Castanio-Gervasi went on to qualify for the final — the lone woman to do so — by making a 20-yard field goal in October, with the team even promoting her appearance with local media. The Long Island Herald picked up the story and identified her as a coach in the second paragraph. It wasn’t until last week, however, that Castanio-Gervasi was informed about a rule prohibiting recent players and coaches from Olympic, college, and high school soccer, rugby, and football teams.
The Jets initially stood by the policy when reached by the Post:
“In accordance with competition rules and regulations, one individual who successfully made the qualifying kick will not be able to advance to the final stage of the challenge,” the team said in a statement to The Post.
“We understand the disappointment associated with this and have made an effort to provide an alternative benefit to show our appreciation,” the Jets statement added.
The team reportedly attempted to mitigate the situation by offering Castanio-Gervasi a consolation custom jersey, a $100 Visa gift card and a donation to Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation. The latter was significant as Castanio-Gervasi was hoping to donate part of the winnings to the foundation in honor of her father Frank, who died of esophageal cancer in 2011.
The Jets have somehow turned a field goal into an own goal. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
(Justin Casterline via Getty Images)
The team also reportedly offered to cover the cost of the tickets purchased by at least 15 friends and family members who were going to see Castanio-Gervasi kick.
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The backlash was intense once the season came to light, with former Jets player Damien Woody among those calling out the franchise for mistreating a diehard fan. A day later, the team was using a different tone, via Ben Dickson of Newsday:
«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. We value the passion and loyalty of our fans and are committed to creating memorable experiences.”
It’s unclear what the team means by “misunderstanding,” but it can definitely expect more interest than usual for the “Kick for Cash” contest this weekend. The Jets are scheduled to play the Patriots on Sunday at 1 p.m.
