NFL reviewing if QB Aaron Rodgers, Packers violated COVID-19 protocols

An earlier story that Green Bay Packers starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 and had been ruled out of this Sunday's game at the Kansas City Chiefs took an unexpected turn when it was learned Rodgers previously misled media members and never received one of the safe and available coronavirus vaccines. 

The NFL and NFL Players Association agreed before the season unvaccinated players would largely work and live under health and safety guidelines used during the 2020 campaign. By all accounts, Rodgers has violated league COVID-19 protocols on multiple occasions throughout the past several months and could literally and figuratively have to pay for his decisions. 

According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, the NFL responded to the Rodgers news with an official statement on Wednesday: 

"The primary responsibility for the enforcement of COVID protocols within club facilities rests with each club. Failure to properly enforce the protocols has resulted in discipline being assessed against individual clubs in the past. The league is aware of the current situation in Green Bay and will be reviewing the matter with the Packers." 

Along with not wearing an approved face covering on the sidelines during preseason games, Rodgers recently attended a Halloween party with teammates without wearing a mask. Both are violations of NFL protocols for unvaccinated players and, per Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today, could result in a suspension and a fine of up to one week's salary if the reigning Most Valuable Player is deemed a repeat offender. 

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk and others found visible evidence that suggests Rodgers broke rules for unvaccinated players during the preseason and for indoor press conferences. Assuming those individuals are accurate, opposing teams will expect, if not demand, that the NFL comes down on both Rodgers and the Packers hard, and as soon as possible.