The New York Jets are facing backlash after revoking a fan’s invitation to their $100,000 field goal challenge upon discovering she was a soccer coach.
On Monday, season ticket holder Ashley Castanio-Gervasi received a notice stating she was no longer eligible to participate in the “Kick for Cash” competition because of her position as a high school soccer coach, as reported by a local outlet.
Castanio-Gervasi, who credits her passion for the team to her late father, expressed her shock regarding the decision.
“This could change my life financially,” she shared. “I really thought I had a good shot at making it.”
The 33-year-old fan mentioned that Jets personnel had seen her kicking a football in the fan zone outside MetLife Stadium back in September and invited her to join the challenge, without inquiring about her profession as a soccer coach and math instructor at Long Beach High School.
She successfully kicked a 20-yard field goal during the qualifying round in October, which earned her a spot in the main event.
“Two Jets officials approached me and encouraged my participation in this tournament,” Castanio-Gervasi recounted. “Their only question was whether I had played college soccer and when that had been.”
Despite qualifying, she said her invitation was rescinded after being asked to sign an affidavit this month, which included rules that ban current or former sports coaches from entering.
The team defended their decision by stressing that the contest rules were explicit and that she didn’t meet the eligibility criteria.
“We acknowledge the disappointment surrounding this decision and have made efforts to provide alternative benefits to express our gratitude,” the team stated.
A disheartened Castanio-Gervasi revealed that she has been a devoted Jets fan her entire life. “My father and grandfather held season tickets since the Shea Stadium era,” she noted, explaining that her family estimates they have spent about $1 million on the Jets over the years. “It’s always been a Sunday tradition for us… They were passionate fans, and that’s how we’ve continued the legacy.”
In light of the team’s action, her family has decided to sell all their season tickets in a show of support.
Public sentiment online has largely criticized the Jets for taking away Castanio-Gervasi’s chance to win the $100,000 prize.
