The NFL is taking strict action against teams and players who are not following specific rules set by the management for COVID-19. After the Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers recently reported to test positive for COVID-19, the NFL set up the team for an inquiry. Recently, after a review of the Green Bay Packers’s COVID protocols, the review team has fined the Packers with $300,000 for violating the rules agreed upon by the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
The reason for the fine; Aaron Rodgers and Allen Lazard of Packers. Both players attended a Halloween party while being unvaccinated, going against the COVID rules set by the NFL. Apart from the fine on the team, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver Allen Lazard are each fined $14,650. The team violated policies by not reporting the two players attending the party while being unvaccinated. Meanwhile, both Rodgers and Lazard are fined for attending a gathering of more than three, in addition to Rodgers not wearing a mask for the news conferences.
Packers president Mark Murphy said in a statement, “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. We will continue to educate the team regarding the importance of the protocols and remain committed to operating within the protocols.”
So far Packers have cooperated with the investigation, but future violations could result in a further stricter disciplinary action by the review committee. ESPN reports future violations could result in loss of draft choice or change in draft position as well.
The investigation included a review of a video from within the facility where both Rodgers and Lazard were spotted not wearing a mask in two different instances. Since the investigation started and Rodger’s COVID positive happened last week, he is to be isolated for 10 days. He will be allowed to play the Seattle Seahawks game, upon testing negative by the game. The Green Bay Packers vs Seattle Seahawks game takes place a day after his isolation period ends.
Rodgers has a controversial recent history with COVID mandates, where he publicly denies getting the vaccine due to being allergic to one of the vaccine ingredients (without clearing out which one), as well as fertility concerns. In a radio show recently he talked about being “in the crosshairs of the woke mob”, after talking about the already debunked dangers of the vaccines, misleading countless people.
