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Bucs, NFL respond to Antonio Brown's alleged fake vax card
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown is facing an allegation that he used a fake vax card. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers, NFL respond to allegation that WR Antonio Brown used fake COVID-19 vaccination card

NFL insider Josina Anderson reported earlier on Thursday that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers believed there was "no evidence" to support a story published by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times that says star wide receiver Antonio Brown allegedly used a fake COVID-19 vaccination card so he would be in compliance with NFL health and safety protocols without having to receive one of the safe and available vaccines. 

The Buccaneers, NFL and Brown's attorney have since all responded. 

"After an extensive educational process conducted throughout our organization this past offseason highlighting the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines, we received completed vaccination cards from all Tampa Bay Buccaneers players and submitted the required information to the NFL through the established process in accordance with league policy," the Buccaneers explained in a statement shared by the league's website. "All vaccination cards were reviewed by Buccaneers personnel and no irregularities were observed."

Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians confidently said in early September his entire organization was "100%" fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Via an official statement, the NFL said of Brown: "We are aware of the report and have been in contact with the club. We will review the matter."

The Tampa Bay Times published information offered by Brown's former chef, Steven Ruiz, who says the Super Bowl champion owes him $10,000. Brown's attorney, Sean Burstyn, previously responded that his client is vaccinated and reiterated that claim to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport: 

Using a fake COVID-19 vaccination card could ultimately be considered a federal criminal offense and, to a lesser extent, a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy. 

Brown missed one September game after he tested positive for the coronavirus and hasn't played since he injured his ankle on Oct. 14. It's unclear if he could face a suspension if he's found guilty of using a fake or doctored vaccination card. 

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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