NFL slaps Packers and Aaron Rodgers with fines and issues warning

New York, New York - The NFL has fined the Green Bay Packers and their quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Allen Lazard for violating Covid-19 protocols and warned that repeat offenses could result in more severe penalties.

Aaron Rodgers (r.) went on the Pat McAfee Show to share his controversial views on the Covid-19 vaccine.
Aaron Rodgers (r.) went on the Pat McAfee Show to share his controversial views on the Covid-19 vaccine.  © Collage: IMAGO / Icon SMI & ZUMA Wire

ESPN first reported the discipline handed down Tuesday by the league, which will cost the team $300,000 and the players $14,650 each.

The league opened an investigation last week after Rodgers tested positive for coronavirus, which forced him to sit out Sunday's 13-7 loss at the Kansas City Chiefs.

He and Lazard are not vaccinated, and a league review found that they violated protocols by not wearing masks inside the Packers' facility and also by attending a Halloween party.

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"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 said in a statement.

"We will continue to educate the team regarding the importance of the protocols and remain committed to operating within the protocols."

Multiple outlets said the league told the Packers they could face a loss of draft picks or drop back in the draft order if they commit more violations, and the players also could face more significant sanctions.

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO / Icon SMI & ZUMA Wire

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