NFL to fine unvaccinated players $14,650 for COVID-19 protocol violations

Unvaccinated NFL players will be subject to a $14,650 fine every time they violate COVID-19 protocols, league spokesperson Brian McCarthy confirmed to ESPN's Jenna Laine.

The news comes after Bruce Arians told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times that the Buccaneers would fine any unvaccinated player who breaks COVID-19 procedures $14,000. 

The NFL is not requiring players to get vaccinated, but it is making life significantly more difficult for the unvaccinated. In addition to the fine, the NFL said in a memo earlier this week that teams who have a COVID-19 outbreak among unvaccinated players will be forced to forfeit their postponed games if they cannot be rescheduled within the 18-week schedule. 

Several players around the league have blasted its handling of players who choose not to get vaccinated, including DeAndre Hopkins, Leonard Fournette, Matt Judon and Jalen Ramsey. 

With more consequences being implemented, it's unclear if more players will decide to get vaccinated. According to The Associated Press (h/t Boston.com), the number of NFL players in the COVID-19 vaccination process has reached 80%, with nine teams having 90% or more of their players in that category.