Bill Belichick's Patriots are the latest team to face a COVID-related fine from the NFL. Kevin R. Wexler-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots, Saints fined for COVID-19 protocol violations

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/29/20

A number of teams across the NFL are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks, which is making Commissioner Roger Goodell crack down on health and safety protocols. Some teams have even violated protocols, including the Las Vegas Raiders, who were whacked with fines.

The Raiders aren't the only team to be fined this season, however.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the New England Patriots have been fined $350,000 for violations stemming from issues when Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19 last month. The New Orleans Saints were also fined $500,000 and stripped of a seventh-round draft pick for their maskless locker room celebration.

Sources: The #Patriots were fined $350K for COVID-19 protocol violations stemming from issues in October when Cam Newton & others tested positive.

The #Saints were fined $500K and docked a 7th round pick for their mask-less locker room celebration. They are repeat offenders.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 29, 2020

The Patriots' small outbreak forced the NFL to push back their Week 4 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Saints, meanwhile, were videoed celebrating their Week 9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without masks, resulting in the fine.

The Saints are repeat offenders. Earlier this season, New Orleans was fined $250,000 and head coach Sean Payton $100,000 for failure to follow face-covering protocols during Week 2.

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