NFL threatens punishment for coaches ignoring mask protocols

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden is among his colleagues who continue to run afoul of the NFL's mask protocols. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL threatens loss of draft picks if coaches don't follow mask protocols

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/30/20

The NFL is letting it be known that they aren't playing around when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic. With the Tennessee Titans experiencing a small COVID-19 outbreak and their upcoming match against the Pittsburgh Steelers postponed, which marks the first of the 2020 season, the league is making it known that following health and safety protocols is mandatory.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the league sent another strongly worded memo to team executives, general managers and head coaches on Wednesday, telling them to comply with the game-day protocols that include wearing face masks on the sidelines. If they don't comply, the league may confiscate draft picks as a punishment.

NFL sent another strongly-worded memo to team executives, GMs and HCs today, urging all to be in compliance with game-day protocols (wearing masks). “We will address lack of compliance with accountability measures that may include...suspensions and/or forfeiture of draft picks.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2020

The NFL reminded teams last week to follow its guidelines to help stop and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The new protocol states that anyone who has access to the sidelines must wear a mask that fits across the nose and mouth to prevent transmission of the virus.

During Week 2 of the 2020 campaign, the league came down hard on a few coaches for not wearing masks properly while on the sidelines. Denver Broncos' Vic Fangio, New Orleans Saints' Sean Payton, Las Vegas Raiders' Jon Gruden, Seattle Seahawks' Pete Carroll and San Francisco 49ers' Kyle Shanahan all were hit with $100,000 fines for failing to wear their masks correctly. Their respective teams were fined $250,000 as a result.

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