The National Football League has attempted to discipline Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Quarterbacks for violating COVID-19 protocols this season. Rodgers and receiver Allen Lazard were each fined $14,650 for violating protocols. Meanwhile, the team was fined $300,000 for allowing the two to violate protocols. The NFL has opted not to suspend Rodgers for violating league protocols for nearly half the season, but it has reportedly warned the Packers that future violating could warrant stiffer punishments.
The NFL’s investigation found that Rodgers violated COVID-19 protocols by being unvaccinated and participating in a press conference without a face mask. Also, the investigation found that Lazard and Rodgers both violated COVID-19 protocols by attending a larger, indoor gather in late October. The league also reviewed a video that reportedly showed Rodgers and Lazard failing to wear masks inside the team facility’s lounge areas.
“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 Patrick Murphy told ESPN.
“We will continue to educate the team regarding the importance of the protocols and remain committed to operating within the protocols.”
Rodgers is currently separated from the team after testing positive for COVID-19. If he completes his 10-day quarantine period and does not test positive for the virus, he will be eligible to play in Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.
