TAMPA, Fla. — The NFL has suspended two Tampa Bay Buccaneers gamers for misrepresenting their vaccination standing in violation of COVID protocols, the league wrote in a press release.
Extensive receiver Antonio Brown and security Mike Edwards might be suspended with out pay for the subsequent three video games following an investigation by the league into latest allegations. A 3rd participant, free agent John Franklin III, if signed by the membership, would even be ineligible to play for 3 video games.
“All three gamers have accepted the self-discipline and waived their proper of attraction. The suspensions are efficient instantly,” the NFL wrote.
Information of the suspensions come simply weeks after a Tampa Bay Occasions report from Rick Stroud accused Brown of acquiring a pretend COVID-19 vaccination card to dodge league guidelines.
Brown’s lawyer, Sean Burstyn, who beforehand denied the Occasions’ report, maintains the truth that the Bucs broad receiver is vaccinated, and he “continues to help the vaccine for any particular person to whom it’s acceptable.”
“The NFL made its dedication and, as an alternative of going via the drawn out and distracting means of difficult the result, Mr. Brown wrapped this up promptly and he’ll make this most of this time by treating his ankle harm,” Burstyn stated.
Brown’s lawyer would go on to say he would return in week 16. Brown has been recovering from an ankle harm he sustained in week 6. In line with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the broad receiver is anticipated to overlook two extra weeks as a result of harm. Which means, as soon as Brown serves his suspension, he might be eligible to return on Jan. 9 in a season-ending recreation towards the Carolina Panthers.
“We respect the League’s well timed dealing with of this matter and acknowledge the significance of the well being and security protocols which were established,” the Bucs wrote Thursday in a press release. “We’ll proceed to implement all league COVID-19 protocols.”
The NFL and NFLPA additionally issued a joint assertion, calling the well being and security of gamers and personnel their prime precedence.
“The protocols have been collectively developed working with our respective consultants to make sure that we’re training and taking part in soccer as safely as attainable throughout the ongoing pandemic,” they wrote. “The NFL-NFLPA collectively reinforce their dedication and additional emphasize the significance of strict adherence to the protocols to guard the well-being of everybody related to the NFL.”
The league additionally stated the Buccaneers wouldn’t face any fines for the suspensions.
“The staff was totally cooperative and useful all through this course of,” the NFL stated.
