NFL fines coaches $1 million for not wearing a mask

The NFL has fined over $1 million to teams and coaches for breaking the league’s coronavirus protocols and procedures. Three coaches were spotted without a mask on the sidelines.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Denver’s Vic Fangio, Seattle’s Pete Carroll and San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan were all given $100,000 fines. Each of their teams were hit with an additional fine of $250,000, totaling $1.05 million in NFL fines.

During the game all of the coaches were seen with their masks around their necks.

NFL fined three head coaches – – Denver’s Vic Fangio, Seattle’s Pete Carroll and SF’s Kyle Shanahan – $100,000 each for not wearing masks Sunday, and each of their teams another $250,000, sources told ESPN.

So that’s $1.05 million dollars in fines for not wearing masks.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 22, 2020

Jon Gruden, Raiders coach was seen during yesterday’s game with his mask under his chin. Following the game Gruden reveals that he’s had COVID-19.

“I’m doing my best. I’ve had the virus. I’m doing my best. I’m very sensitive about it. I’m calling the plays. I apologize. If I get fined, I will have to pay the fine,” said Gruden

The league and health experts emphasize the importance of wearing a mask to limit the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings are a requirement in states for both indoor and outdoor activities.

The fines follow after the NFL’s memo to teams about COVID-19 protocols in regard to wearing masks during all football-related events. The memo includes Troy Vincent, Executive VP of Football Operations of the NFL statement:

“Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in accountability measures being imposed against offending individuals and/or clubs … Becoming careless or ignoring face covering and physical distancing requirements will put the 2020 season at risk.”