NFL Players Face Fines For No Masks, Refusing Coronavirus Tests

Planning to start the season on time with as few disruptions as possible, the NFL is giving players even more reason to adhere to safety protocols. The league and the NFLPA have agreed upon disciplinary actions that can be issued to players who fail to follow the rules.

Players will face potential fines for failing to wear masks or refusing to take a coronavirus test, according to a memo sent to NFL players Tuesday. Engaging in “high-risk,” behavior, such as going to bars or large gatherings, can also result in punishment.

All personnel are required to wear a Kinexon Proximity Recording device, which warns players when they are within six feet of another person. Refusal to wear the device first comes with a warning, followed by a $5,860 fine for a second offense, according to reports. More violations cost $1,025 and a maximum $14,650 fine.

The maximum fine for refusing a coronavirus test is $50,000. After one written warning, players can be hit with a fine that is equal to one week’s pay, in addition to a suspension of up to four weeks.

The cost of refusing to wear a mask could include a warning and progressive fines up to $14,650. Players are required to wear masks in public and when they are not playing or practicing at the facility.

Per the final NFL/NFLPA COVID protocols, this is the list of violations punishable by escalating fines - warning letter for first violation, 40% of max fine for 2nd, 70% for 3rd, 100% for 4th, conduct detrimental for 5th. pic.twitter.com/mtwtJRzm7W
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) August 4, 2020

No warning letter is required for these violations - 40% of max fine for first offense, 70% for 2nd, 100% for 3rd, conduct detrimental for 4th. Also, players negotiated a specific mention that other team employees (coaches, execs) are subject to same discipline. pic.twitter.com/Sk0A4n7ABr
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) August 4, 2020

Players aren’t allowed to attend house gatherings of more than 15 people if some of the guests aren’t wearing masks. The same rules apply to bars and nightclubs that have more than 10 people in attendance. Indoor concerts or sporting events are not on the approved list of activities for players.

The NFL has already announced that fans will have to wear masks if they are allowed to attend NFL games. Teams across the league are already preparing to operate at limited capacity.

All teams have started training camp, where players are tested for the coronavirus every day for the first two weeks. Testing moves to every other day if the rate of a team’s positive tests is below 5%.

The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans are scheduled to start the season on Sept. 10.