What covid protocol did Rodgers, and Packers break that led to fines?

Both the Green Bay Packers and their quarterback Aaron Rodgers have been fined by the NFL after an investigation led by the league found they were in violation of covid protocol.

Aaron Rodgers was forced to sit out the Packers game against the Chiefs over the weekend after testing positive for the virus early last week. Rodgers was launched into the headlines after it became evident that he is not vaccinated despite telling reporters earlier in the season that he was “immunized.”

Without Rodgers, the Packers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, ending their seven game win streak. The bad news didn’t stop there for Green Bay or for Rodgers. The team was fined $300,000 while Rodgers was docked $14,650 for violating covid protocol laid out by the league before the season started.

Halloween party, and unmasked press conferences among violations

The NFL began an investigation of the Packers enforcement of protocol after news that Rodgers is in fact not vaccinated. The restrictions for unvaccinated players are much harsher than they are for players who have received the vaccine.

Rodgers has been seen in post game interviews and press conferences in the Green Bay facilities with out a mask all season long, which is a direct violation of protocol. The rules state that unvaccinated players must wear masks in team facilities and when speaking to media in press conferences.

Upon further investigation the NFL discovered that Rodgers and Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard attended a Halloween party at the end of last month. Lazard, like Rodgers is not vaccinated which means both players violated protocol that states that unvaccinated players can not gather in groups of more than three. Allen Lazard was also fined $14,650 for his appearance at the party.

Rodgers could return this weekend

"We respect the League's findings and we recognize the importance of adherence to the covid protocols to keep our team and organization safe and healthy,” said Packers president Mark Murphy. "We will continue to educate the team regarding the importance of the protocols and remain committed to operating within the protocols."

Green Bay was warned by the league that any further violations of covid protocol could lead to harsher punishments, including possible change of draft pick or loss of draft choice.

Rodgers tested positive last Wednesday, which means the earliest he could come back to the team is a day before the Packers game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.