When the New Orleans Saints trounced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9, Sean Payton and the team celebrated in the locker room without masks, which caught the eye of the league. After conducting an investigation into the situation, the NFL has decided to fine and remove a 7th round draft pick from the Saints, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Back in Week 9, the Saints were able to blowout the Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football, beating them by the score of 38-3. As a result, New Orleans swept the season series with Tampa Bay, putting them in a prime position to win the NFC South.

Given the magnitude of the win, Payton and players from the Saints were seen celebrating in the locker room. However, no one was wearing masks, putting everyone that was involved in the celebration at risk.

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With teams across the NFL experiencing COVID-19 issues, the league is now taking an initiative to make it clear that everyone needs to wear masks. Earlier this season, there were multiple teams fined a hefty amount for coaches not wearing masks on the sideline.

Besides the $500,000 fine that the Saints were punished with, the NFL also took their seventh-round pick in the upcoming draft. Of course, seeing that New Orleans isn't fond of the outcome of the investigation, they will appeal the punishment that was levied on them.

Beating the Buccaneers twice this season was a massive accomplishment for the Saints with Tom Brady joining their division. But the celebration that ensued after their last meeting is going to come at an expensive cost and a draft pick.