If the NFL is going to have a successful season in the midst of a global pandemic, it will take an increased attention to safety. While all the franchises have remodeled their facilities to foster social distancing and limit any potential spread of virus, players won’t have the same structure away from the building. In an effort to deter players from engaging in a risky behavior the NFL, in collaboration with the NFLPA, have come up with the following fine system:
- Teams can fine up to $50,000 for players who refuse to submit to coronavirus testing.
- Players can be fined up to $14,650 for failure to wear a mask, properly socially distance and for not wearing their Kinexon device around the facility. The first violation will include a written warning, followed by 40%, 70% and 100% of the maximum.
Teams may impose a maximum fine of an amount equal to one week’s salary and/or suspension without pay not to exceed four weeks for conduct detrimental to the team for engaging in the following activities:
- Attending an indoor night club unless player is wearing PPE and there are no more than 10 people in the club.
- Attending an indoor bar (other than to pick up food) unless player is wearing PPE and there are no more than 10 people in the bar.
- House gatherings of more than fifteen people without the player and all guests wearing masks or PPE or where social distancing for more than ten people is impossible.
- Attending indoor music concert/entertainment event.
- Attending professional sporting events (other than applicable NFL games or events) unless the player is seated in a separated seating section, such as a suite or owner’s box, is wearing PPE, and there are no more than 10 people in that separate seating section.
- Attending an event that is prohibited by state and/or local regulation, executive order or law implemented due to Covid-19.
No written warning will be issued to a player for the above offenses.