HC Sean McDermott Hands Down Harsh Punishment After Bills Rookie Arrives at Practice Intoxicated Before NFL Season Opener
Buffalo, NY – September 5, 2025
The Buffalo Bills sent a sharp reminder this week: discipline comes before potential. Rookie tight end Keleki Latu, a 2025 undrafted signing who earned a practice squad spot, has been fined and sanctioned internally after arriving at practice under the influence following a late-night outing.
Sources confirmed that Latu was seen at a downtown Buffalo bar on Thursday night, socializing well into the early hours. When he showed up to the team facility on Friday morning, coaches and teammates immediately noticed a lack of focus and energy.
Head coach Sean McDermott was notified quickly — and wasted no time laying down the law.
“This is the Buffalo Bills. Professionalism and accountability are non-negotiable. If you can’t handle yourself off the field, you won’t earn the chance to step on it,” McDermott said.
Latu has been fined under the team’s code of conduct and ordered to attend accountability sessions. He has been removed from preparations for the Week 1 season opener and now faces real questions about his long-term future in Buffalo.
At Alabama, Latu flashed upside as a versatile tight end with size and hands to create mismatches, earning just enough attention to secure an NFL opportunity. But in a league as demanding as the NFL, one off-field mistake can jeopardize a career before it begins.
Veteran Bills players emphasized the decision wasn’t about singling him out but about protecting the standard. “The culture here is real. If Keleki wants to last, this has to be his wake-up call,” one teammate said privately.
Fans on X were divided. Some blasted the rookie — “You’re fighting for a job, not celebrating one. Wake up.” Others showed patience, pointing to his raw talent and potential role as a developmental tight end.
For McDermott, the message was unmistakable: the Bills’ culture comes first. By imposing both financial and disciplinary punishment, he reinforced the franchise’s identity — in Buffalo, you earn your helmet by your habits, not just your highlights.
As the season approaches, Keleki Latu now faces a crossroads: will this stumble define his path, or fuel a stronger comeback?
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