NFL reportedly will have stringent rules for players who don’t get COVID vaccine
It may not be a $1 million lottery, but NFL players who haven’t received the COVID-19 vaccine have plenty of incentive to get a shot before the 2021 season begins.
Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported Wednesday that the NFL and the Players’ Association agreed to two sets of rules for training camp and preseason.
Those who have been vaccinated would be tested far less and have greater freedom away from the team.
Here are some of the differences, per Pelissero.
High risk exposure
If there is exposure to someone infected with COVID, fully vaccinated players won’t have a mandatory five-day isolation. Non-vaccinated players will.
Testing
Players who are not vaccinated will be tested every day. Players who have the vaccine will be tested just once every two weeks.
Travel
If a player is fully vaccinated, he doesn’t have to wear a mask and may interact with family members and friends who also have been vaccinated. Unvaccinated players will have to wear a mask and stay in the team hotel and only meet with team personnel.
Social activities
This is from Pelissero: NFL players who aren’t fully vaccinated “will be banned from nightclubs, bars, house parties, concerts, etc., with the NFL and clubs allowed to issue fines of a game check up to $50,000 for a first offense — and more thereafter.”
Here is more of what Pelissero tweeted:
Unvaccinated individuals -- including players -- also will be prohibited from gathering outside of the club facility or team travel, per the memo. This includes gathering for meetings, practices or training activities unless approved by the NFL and NFLPA.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 16, 2021
Major competitive implications here: Fully vaccinated individuals exposed to a COVID-positive individual won’t be labeled a high-risk close contact and subject to the mandatory five-day isolation that kept a bunch of players, coaches and others out of games in 2020. pic.twitter.com/bWmWzSoAHv
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 16, 2021
The memo reiterates that coaches and other staff who aren’t fully vaccinated and don’t have a religious or medical exemption won’t be eligible for Tier 1 or Tier 2 status starting in training camp, and thus won’t be allowed to work in-person with players. pic.twitter.com/RwoeYGu54F
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 16, 2021
Fully vaccinated individuals will only be tested for COVID once every two weeks. Individuals who aren’t fully vaccinated will continue daily testing. Also, five-day testing for tryout players, street free agents etc. who aren’t fully vaccinated — a significant hurdle. pic.twitter.com/R6qbtSoi6Q
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 16, 2021
According to the NFL’s website, half of the league’s 32 teams have 51 or more players who have been vaccinated.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes both say they have been vaccinated.