The NFL has fined both the Green Bay Packers and their star quarterback Aaron Rodgers for violations of the league's COVID-19 protocols for unvaccinated players.
According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the NFL slapped the Packers with a $300,000 fine. Meanwhile, Rodgers and teammate Allen Lazard got a $14,650 each for their own violations.
The Packers received the hefty punishment after they did not report that Rodgers and Lazard attended a Halloween party. It is in violation of the league's COVID-19 protocols since unvaccinated players are not allowed to attend gatherings of more than three people.
As for Rodgers, part of his violation was not wearing a mask during his news conferences. Unvaccinated players are required to wear masks at all times while inside team facilities.
Adding to the Packers' violations, the NFL also found out that there were several instances Rodgers and Lazard failed to wear a mask while inside the team's facility.
The NFL’s review of the Packers’ COVID-19 protocols is done.
Per league source, Packers fined$300,000 for violations of the NFL and NFL Players Association protocols, while Aaron Rodgers and Allen Lazard were each fined $14,650.
Full story coming on ESPN momentarily
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) November 10, 2021
Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 recently, which brought to light his vaccination status. It became a huge issue when Rodgers' was criticized for saying last August that he's “immunized” when asked about his vaccination status–leading people to believe he's vaccinated.
While Rodgers didn't technically lie since he used the word “immunized,” many felt they were misled by Rodgers. After all, COVID-19 vaccination has been a sensitive issue and a subject of a lot of debate with several other athletes mixed about their stance on the matter.
As for the Packers, they cooperated in the league's investigation and accepted the punishment. However, they have reportedly been warned that stricter fines and sanctions would be imposed if they violate the protocols once again.
“We respect the League's findings and we recognize the importance of adherence to the COVID protocols to keep our team and organization safe and healthy,” Packers president Mark Murphy told ESPN. “We will continue to educate the team regarding the importance of the protocols and remain committed to operating within the protocols.”
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