The Buffalo Bills notably had two players fined by the NFL on Thursday for not following COVID-19 safety protocols put in place regarding the wearing of masks in team facilities.
That much we know because those two, wide receivers Isaiah McKenzie and Cole Beasley, took to their social media account on Twitter to reveal it had happened.
However, they aren’t alone.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, in total, 25 players across the NFL were fined by the league for the breaking of similar safety protocols.
These initial fines were worth $14,650.
Specifically, the report states the violations either had to do with failing to wear a mask or not wearing a tracking device which helps track close contact safety protocols.
That safety measure is used to monitor if players came in contact with a team member that does test positive for COVID-19. Beasley and three other Bills teammates had to be sent home this week because of a close contact situation.
On Monday, a Bills training staff member tested positive for COVID-19. No Bills players did.
However, because Beasley and several others who are not COVID-19 vaccinated were within close contact, NFL rules state they must quarantine for five days and test negative for the virus before they can join their team again.
In a similar circumstance, players who are vaccinated and come in close contact with someone who tests positive are allowed to remain with the team and practice if they test negative for COVID-19.
In addition to the fines issued on Thursday, another 120 players received written warnings for being observed in violation of the NFL’s COVID-19 safety protocols.
Those players will be subject to future fines.
Speaking of which, the 25 players already fined could also see increased penalties in the future. Those such players could face larger fines and suspensions up to four games which are unpaid.
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