The NFL recently fined two well known teams, the New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots for not following COVID-19 guidelines. The Saints were fined $500,000 after the team and other players posted multiple videos celebrating their win, without masks. As another punishment, the NFL took away their seventh-round draft pick. The Patriots also lost $350,000 for other violations relating to Cam Newton and other players’ positive tests. Many players and staff that traveled to Kansas City to play the Chiefs that weekend were in close contact with Newton prior to having the virus.

The NFL requires all teams to be honest and take control of their actions of the protocols they are given. If a team does not listen to the specific protocols they can suffer many consequences, anything from fines to mass infections and quarantines. Players and staff are required to wear a mask at all times in the locker rooms or on the sidelines. These procedures are in place to ensure everyone stays safe.