NFL fines 3 teams for not wearing face masks in games (2020) 0:29
(CNN) -
The National Football League, the NFL, suspended three players, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown, for three games without pay following an investigation that found all three violated protocols. of covid-19.
Buccaneers safety Mike Edwards and free agent wide receiver John Franklin III, who has been on the Bucs' practice team, are the other suspended players.
From left to right, Antonio Brown, Mike Edwards and John Franklin III
In a press release dated Thursday, the NFL said its review of recent allegations that players had "misrepresented their vaccination status" supported the claims.
On November 18, the NFL announced that it was reviewing allegations that Brown had used fake covid-19 vaccination cards in an attempt to usurp NFL protocols.
The allegations were made by Steven Ruiz, who had been a chef at Brown's home, in an exclusive Tampa Bay Times report.
All three players have accepted the sanction and fines and will not appeal the decision, according to the NFL statement.
Other cases in the NFL
Last month, the NFL fined Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Allen Lazard after discovering that the two players were not following league covid-19 protocols.
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The NFL determined that Rodgers and Lazard attended a Halloween party despite not being vaccinated, a violation of protocols that prohibit unvaccinated players from gathering outside of team facilities in a group of more than three.
In a statement, the Buccaneers said Thursday that: "We appreciate the League's timely handling of this matter and recognize the importance of the health and safety protocols that have been established. We will continue to implement all protocols on covid-19 from the league".
Brown's attorney, Sean Burstyn, told CNN: "Mr. Brown is vaccinated and continues to endorse the vaccine for anyone for whom it is appropriate. The NFL made up its mind and instead of going through the lengthy and distracting process In challenging the outcome, Mr. Brown resolved this quickly and will use this time as an opportunity to treat his ankle injury.
"Mr. Brown will be motivated, rested and in the best shape of his life when he returns in week 16."
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