The Houston Texans fined quarterback Deshaun Watson and teammates on Tuesday for violations of the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Last week, Watson, including teammates DE Charles Omenihu, OT Roderick Johnson, RB Duke Johnson, RT Tytus Howard, and WR Brandin Cooks, appeared at the grand opening of Lefty’s Cheesesteak on Kirby Drive about a half of a mile away from NRG Stadium. The players were photographed not wearing masks.
According to NFL rules, the limit for player gatherings outside of team facilities is three. The rules were agreed upon by the NFLPA.
As such, Watson, who is also a co-owner of the restaurant, was fined $7,500 and the rest of his teammates were fined $5,000 apiece.
Houston media grilled Watson about the event on Dec. 16 during his availability for Week 15.
“We had the masks,” Watson said. “We did everything that we were supposed to do. Six feet from different people. It was a restaurant opening. It wasn’t really an event. It was a grand opening of my restaurant, so, people were coming in to get food and things like that and everyone was excited about it, so it turned out pretty good.
Right now, from the messages I got after it’s still popping, so everyone go out to Lefty’s on Kirby (Drive) for sure.”
The fine comes in the wake of Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins allegedly appearing to patronize a night club while not wearing a mask.