NFL to fine unvaccinated players over $14K for protocol violations

The NFL will fine unvaccinated players $14,650 any time they aren't wearing a mask or are breaking a COVID-19 protocol, league spokesperson Brian McCarthy confirmed, according to ESPN's Jenna Laine.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians, who made news earlier by saying he'd fine any unvaccinated player $14,000 for each protocol violation, also said vaccinated players will be tested 14 times this season, while those who are unvaccinated will be subject to testing 140 times, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

Any game that can't be rescheduled this NFL season due to a COVID-19 outbreak among unvaccinated players on one of the competing teams will reportedly result in a forfeit by the club responsible.

Vaccinated players will be eligible for relaxed protocols this year, such as no physical distancing while in team facilities and not having to quarantine after being exposed to someone who tests positive.