Jojo Doria

The NFL, in an effort to level the playing field, warned all 32 teams about faking injuries and threatening stiff penalties for using the so-called injury gamesmanship during a contest.

In a memo sent to teams, the NFL indicated that fines, suspensions or forfeiture of draft picks will be meted if the league determines players faked injuries to gain a timeout during a game without incurring penalty.

The said memo, obtained by ESPN and posted online, reminded the teams of a league policy discouraging the practice.

Apart from the remainder, it also explained the NFL's reluctance to propose a specific rule governing the practice over fears that teams will lose legitimate timeouts or injured players will be encouraged to remain on the field.

The notice was addressed to team presidents, general managers, head coaches and public relations executives, but did not contain specific rule to outlaw the practice.

It came two days after speculation arose that the Giants feigned injuries during Monday night's game against St. Louis.

Giants veteran safety Deon Grant was accused of faking an injury as the Rams were driving in a no-huddle offense during the first quarter of Monday night's game.

It was speculated that the Giants were buying time as Grant went down. Also, Giants linebacker Jacquian Williams simultaneously fell to the turf, also with reported "cramps".

The Rams went on to lose 28-16.

NFL 2011 - NFL to Crack Down on Injury Gamesmanship