NFL fines Aaron Rodgers, Packers for COVID-19 protocol violations

The NFL has fined Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers for violating COVID-19 protocols.

Rodgers was fined $14,650 and the Packers were fined $300,000, NFL Vice President of Communications Brian McCarthy said. Wide receiver Allen Lazard also received a fine of $14,650 for violating protocol.

The NFL conducted a review of Rodgers’ and the Packers’ activities related to protocol after the quarterback tested positive for COVID last week, and when it was learned Rodgers wasn’t vaccinated, as he had publicly led people to believe.

The investigation, which included video review, revealed that Rodgers and Lazard were guilty of not consistently wearing masks within the team facility. The two also attended a maskless Halloween party, which violates protocol for unvaccinated players.

Rodgers and Lazard were otherwise found to be in compliance with protocol.

The Packers didn’t sanction the Halloween party, but were aware of it and didn’t discipline either player for the violations. The Packers also were guilty of not requiring Rodgers to wear a mask at press conferences. Unvaccinated players are required to wear masks anytime inside team facilities.

The team was warned that additional violations could result in escalated punishment, including loss of draft picks or change of draft order.

Read more at usatoday.com