The COVID-19 controversy around Aaron Rodgers will now cost the quarterback and the Packers some coin.
The NFL, after the completion of a review, will fine Green Bay $300,000 for violations of the league’s COVID-19 protocols and Rodgers and receiver Allen Lazard will be docked $14,650 each, according to multiple reports.
The league was reportedly looking into Rodgers, who is unvaccinated and contracted COVID-19 last week, appearing at press conferences without wearing a mask and attending a Halloween party with teammates sans mask. ESPN reported the Rodgers and Packers players may have violated the rules regarding how many players can congregate outside of the team’s facilities.
It’s been a rough week or so for Rodgers, who missed the Packers’ loss to the Chiefs on Sunday. He has faced backlash for originally misleading the public about his vaccination status by saying he was “immunized.” The 37-year-old instead chose to undergo alternative medicine treatments to boost his immune system.
During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” last week he said he was allergic to an ingredient in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and did not consider the Johnson & Johnson shot after hearing of potential side effects.
Rodgers, who could return under center for the 7-2 Packers on Sunday against the Seahawks, said during an appearance on the McAfee show on Tuesday that he takes “full responsibility” for his comments regarding the vaccine.