Coaches and staff members are required to wear face masks while on the sideline during games, in an attempt to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. For the most part, coaches adhered to the league’s rule, but Sean McVay knows he needs to improve in that department.
After the NFL issued a memo to all NFL general managers, coaches and trainers on Monday, McVay admitted it was probably directed at him for not wearing his mask enough during the Rams’ win over the Cowboys.
“I figured that memo was directed at me. I’ve got to do a better job about that. So moving forward there will be a conscious effort to do that,” McVay told reporters Monday.
McVay wore a traditional mask that loops around the ears, but he often had it pulled down below his mouth and nose during the game. That’s against protocol, and he hasn’t yet decided whether he’ll wear that type of mask next week against the Eagles or if he’s going to switch to another option.
Regardless of what he does moving forward, he knows he was one of the rule-breakers this weekend.
“It’s a good question. I haven’t decided yet,” he said. “I might even try one of the gaiters or whatever. I don’t know. I just know I’ve been getting blasted all day about it, so I just love it. No, but you know, I will do better. I know I was definitely one of the main culprits of not following what the league wants and I will definitely be aware of that and do better next week.”
McVay would be wise to improve his mask-wearing ways because the NFL threatened to hand down penalties for anyone who doesn’t adhere to the rules.
“Two of our stadiums are in locations in which this requirement is mandatory for all individuals, including players,” the memo read. “Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in accountability measures being imposed against offending individuals and/or clubs. Wearing a mask does not mean using it as a chin strap or hanging it from one’s neck. The face covering must be worn as designed so that it securely fits across the wearer’s nose and mouth to prevent the transmission of the virus.”