Soccer
The New York Jets have reversed a decision that had barred a longtime fan from participating in a $100,000 halftime field-goal contest, announcing Friday that she will be allowed to take part in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.
The New York Post first reported that Ashley Castanio-Gervasi, a Long Island high-school soccer coach and lifelong Jets supporter, had been informed earlier this week that she was no longer eligible for the team’s “Kick for Cash” promotion because of her coaching status.
The decision prompted widespread criticism from public figures including former Jets star Damien Woody and California congressman Eric Swalwell as it became a trending topic on social media, leading the Jets to reconsider.
“We realized there was an unfortunate misunderstanding regarding Ashley’s eligibility for the contest,” the team said in a statement. “In an effort to remedy the situation, we are allowing her to kick this Sunday for an opportunity to win the prize.”
Castanio-Gervasi, 33, had earned her place in the contest after successfully making a 20-yard field goal at a Jets-sponsored tailgate event in October. She was originally identified by team staff earlier in the season after attempting kicks at a September home game, according to her account.
The Jets said the initial disqualification stemmed from rules that prohibit current or recent coaches in soccer, football or rugby from participating in the promotion for insurance reasons. Castanio-Gervasi said she had disclosed both her college soccer background and her coaching role during the qualification process and was not made aware of any issue until days before the scheduled contest.
“This is a bad look for an organization that should be looking for any positive PR,” Woody said on X.
The $100,000 prize, sponsored by Hellmann’s, would be “life-changing”, Castanio-Gervasi said, noting that she planned to use any winnings toward buying a home and supporting cancer-related charities.
She has said the opportunity carries particular meaning because she is attempting the kick in memory of her father, Frank, a devoted Jets fan who died of esophageal cancer in 2011. The family has continued attending games together in his honor and has raised tens of thousands of dollars for cancer education causes.
After learning of the disqualification, Castanio-Gervasi said she planned to skip Sunday’s game, though the Jets had offered alternative compensation including team merchandise and a gift card. Following the team’s reversal, she and several family members now plan to attend the game at MetLife Stadium.
The distance of the final kick has not been announced. Castanio-Gervasi is currently recovering from knee surgery on her non-kicking leg but said she intends to participate as scheduled.
The team’s decision restores her chance to compete alongside three other finalists during half-time of Sunday’s home finale. The Jets enter the contest with a 3-12 record, good for dead last in the AFC East division.
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