Packers, Aaron Rodgers and Allen Lazard fined for violating NFL COVID-19 protocols

The NFL concluded its investigation into whether Aaron Rodgers and the Packers broke the league’s COVID-19 protocols following news that the Green Bay quarterback tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday.

Circumstantial evidence in the wake of the news suggested the team would be liable for penalties as Rodgers, who is not vaccinated, was seen addressing the team’s charter and speaking to reporters inside without a mask. The question then was how severe the penalties would be and if they would result in a suspension.

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Here’s everything you need to know about the NFL investigation and the penalties Rodgers and the Packers faced as a result:

How much were the Packers fined?

After the conclusion of the NFL review on Tuesday, the Packers organization was reportedly fined $ 300,000 for violating league protocols (via ESPN’s ESPN’s Rob Demovsky). Other teams that have been fined for violating COVID-19 protocols include the Saints, Raiders ($ 500,000 each), Patriots and Titans ($ 350,000 each).

Packers president Mark Murphy commented on the league’s findings and the fine.

“We respect the League’s findings and recognize the importance of complying with COVID protocols to keep our team and organization safe and healthy,” Murphy. said in an official statement. “We will continue to educate the team on the importance of protocols and will remain committed to operating within protocols.”

Additionally, the league warned the Packers that future violations of COVID protocols could result in “heightened discipline.” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, which could include a change in draft position or a loss in draft options.

MORE: NFL Vaccination Rules Explained

How much was Aaron Rodgers fined?

Rodgers and wide receiver Allen Lazard were fined $ 14,650 for breaking the rules. To put this number in perspective, Rodgers earns a base salary of $ 14.7 million this year alone. Therefore, this fine is only equal to 0.00099 percent of your base salary. Lazard’s base salary is $ 850,000, but the penalty is still only 0.017 percent of his base salary.

Here are the violations the NFL found that Rodgers, Lazard, and the Packers violated. First, because Rodgers is not vaccinated, he broke COVID protocol by not wearing a mask at press conferences. The team also failed to report a Halloween party attended by both Rodgers and Lazard. Even though the party was not held on the team premises and was not considered a team function, it still violated the protocol that unvaccinated players cannot gather in groups of more than three.

The league also reviewed a video during its investigation that was shown inside the club’s premises and found some cases of Rodgers and Lazard not wearing masks on the premises. Out of these few cases, the investigation concluded that there was no “widespread or systematic violation of the use of masks”, via ESPN.

Rodgers and Lazard are not vaccinated, but a fine was expected for their positive tests. Since they are not vaccinated, the game controls are lost in the weeks that they cannot play. In addition, they can be fined a week’s pay of up to $ 50,000. If players don’t follow COVID protocols again, they could face more fines in the future. The league currently has no rule stating that players will be suspended for breaking protocol.

MORE: Why Packers Aaron Rodgers Is Likely Not Suspended For NFL COVID Protocol Violations

With the circumstances revolving around Rodgers and whether or not he lied about being vaccinated (he stated in August that he was “immunized”), it was thought that he would be fined more than $ 14,650, especially since he earns a large salary.

Rodgers could return to the field in Week 10 in the Packers’ game against the Seahawks. His 10-day quarantine will end on Saturday, November 13. If you pass the COVID exam then you will be eligible to play on Sunday.