News - Jets Reverse Decision, Allow Teacher to Attempt $100K Kick

In a surprising turn of events, the New York Jets have announced that Ashley Castanio-Gervasi, a devoted Jets fan and high school soccer coach, will be allowed to participate in their 'Kick for Cash' contest after initially being disqualified over her coaching background. Castanio-Gervasi, who attends games in memory of her late father, was initially thrilled at the prospect of winning a $100,000 cash prize that could change her life. The saga began when Castanio-Gervasi was initially selected to participate in the competition after impressing Jets staff with her kicking skills at a tailgate event. Despite being transparent about her background as a former Division I soccer player, she was later told that her current role as a high school soccer coach rendered her ineligible, sparking widespread criticism and outrage from fans and media alike. Critics argued that disqualifying Castanio-Gervasi for being a coach was instead a move by the Jets to prevent someone with kicking experience from getting an upper hand in the contest, though such experience had previously been acknowledged by the team. The decision drew significant backlash, especially given that the potential prize was a minute fraction of Jets owner Woody Johnson's net worth. Facing mounting public pressure and negative publicity, the Jets reversed their prior stance, allowing Castanio-Gervasi to take her place in the competition. This decision has relieved many fans who felt the team’s earlier actions were unjust and unnecessarily harsh, as the contest originally aimed to make the holiday season memorable for a loyal fan. What was initially seen as a Grinch move during the holiday season turned into an example of fan influence, as the Jets rectified the mistake, bringing hope back to a worthy participant's holiday aspirations.