New York Jets reverse decision, reinstate fan in $100,000 seeding contest after uproar | New York Jets
The New York Jets reversed a decision that barred a longtime fan from participating in a $100,000 halftime placing contest, announcing Friday that she would 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 football coach and longtime Jets fan, was informed earlier this week that she was no longer eligible for the team’s “Kick for Cash” promotion due to her coaching status.
The decision drew 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, causing the Jets to reconsider their decision.
“We realized there was an unfortunate misunderstanding regarding Ashley’s eligibility for the competition,” the team said in a statement. “In an effort to remedy the situation, we are allowing him to kick this Sunday for the opportunity to win the prize.”
Castanio-Gervasi, 33, earned his spot in the competition after hitting a 20-yard field goal at a Jets-sponsored tailgate event in October. She was originally identified by team personnel earlier in the season after attempting kicks during a home game in September, according to her account.
The Jets said the initial disqualification stemmed from rules prohibiting current or recent football, soccer or rugby coaches from participating in the promotion for insurance reasons. Castanio-Gervasi said she disclosed both her college soccer background and coaching role during the qualifying process and was not informed of any issues until days before the scheduled competition.
“It’s a bad image for an organization that should be striving for positive PR,” Woody said on X.
The $100,000 prize, sponsored by Hellmann’s, would be “life-changing,” Castanio-Gervasi said, noting that she plans to use all winnings to buy a house and support cancer-related charities.
She said the opportunity held special meaning because she was attempting the kick in memory of her father, Frank, an avid Jets fan who died of esophageal cancer in 2011. The family continued to attend games together in his honor and 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, even though the Jets offered alternative compensation, including team merchandise and a gift card. Following the team’s upset, 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 planned.
The team’s decision gives him another chance to compete alongside three other finalists at halftime of Sunday’s home final. The Jets enter the contest with a 3-12 record, good for dead last in the AFC East division.
