NFL to Fine Unvaccinated Players $14,650 for COVID-19 Protocol Violations

The NFL will fine unvaccinated players $14,650 any time they violate COVID-19 protocols.

The NFL will fine unvaccinated players $14,650 any time they violate COVID-19 procedures this season, the NFL told ESPN's Jenna Laine. 

The confirmation comes after Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians was mentioned in a report from the Tamp Bay Times saying that he would fine his players "$14,000 on the spot every time he isn't wearing a mask or is breaking a protocol."

Arians told ESPN it wasn't his own policy but "league rules" in a text. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed the number to ESPN and that it is a league rule. 

This comes just two days after the NFL announced it would enforce forfeits in the event of a COVID-19 cancellation. Additionally, some players and coaches have been hesitant on getting vaccinated. Vikings offensive line coach Rick Dennison was dismissed for refusing the vaccine.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero obtained the NFL's COVID-19 protocols for this upcoming season in June that also mentioned punishments for players. Although the $14,650 figure wasn't mentioned for a protocols violation, a fine for contact tracing violations was mentioned. 

NFL players who aren’t fully vaccinated will be banned from nightclubs, bars, house parties, concerts, etc., with the NFL and clubs allowed to issue fines of a game check up to $50,000 for a first offense — and more thereafter — for violating protocol. Big financial consequences. pic.twitter.com/NwWSaiSTRi

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 16, 2021

Any player who refuses to cooperate or lies during a contact tracing interview can be fined equal to one week's paycheck or up to $50,000 for a first offense. Fines will rise thereafter.