NFL Player Has Reportedly Received About $100K In Covid-Related Fines
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley has reportedly paid over $100,000 in fines from the NFL over COVID rules.
On Sunday, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen said, “Beasley was fined $14,600 in August on a day when league officials were in the facility to review the protocols with the Bills, which the NFL did with all 32 teams before the 2021 season. Beasley was observed by one of the league officials when not complying with mandatory protocols for unvaccinated players.”
He continued, “The $14,600 fine has been doubled on more than one occasion via video monitoring by the league, per sources. One source estimated the fines have reached the sum of $100,000. Another source believed it was just short of that amount.”
Bills receiver Cole Beasley has been fined multiple times for Covid protocol violations for a cumulative sum in the range of $100,000 per league and union sources. Beasley was fined $14,600 in August on a day league officials were in the facility to review the protocols.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) December 26, 2021
On Tuesday, Beasley tested positive for COVID and will be facing restrictions for at least 10 days.
Beasley was unable to participate in last Sunday’s game due to the limitation, but he hopes to be available for the team’s next game. With 76 receptions on the season, his contributions will be critical in helping the Bills remain competitive as they continue their season through the playoffs.
Mortensen pointed out that Beasley’s fines will not prevent him from receiving compensation for missing Sunday’s game. According to the league’s existing guidelines, an unvaccinated athlete who tests positive can still be compensated for games missed.
Beasley’s Covid-19 absence today won’t cost him, though. Under NFL and NFLPA agreement, even unvaccinated players are entitled to their full pay if they miss a game due to Covid-19. Beasley makes $4.7 million in base salary, so he still gets his $261,111 game check.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) December 26, 2021
Beasley made news in July for his open opposition to the COVID-19 vaccination. The Daily Wire reported:
Beasley, a nine-year veteran of the NFL, made headlines last week when he slammed the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols which differ based on whether a player has received the COVID-19 vaccine or not.
“I said all I needed to say. I’m just living a normal life from here on out,” Beasley told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I’m not trying to sway anybody in either direction. That’s what I am doing and that’s the end of it.”
“I don’t want to be any more of a distraction to my team so that’s where I’m leaving it,” he said continued. “Something needed to be said, so I said it. I don’t regret any of it. That’s how I feel.”
Also last week, the Buffalo Bills faced controversy when they revealed that proof of vaccination will be required for anyone as young as five years old when entering the stadium.
A statement from the Buffalo Bills said, “In accordance with the New York State Mandate, the Buffalo Bills and Highmark Stadium are updating its vaccination policy. Beginning immediately, all guests 5-11 will be required to present proof of at least the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine for entry into all events, concerts, and Bills games.”
“Children under five will be required to wear a mask and a negative COVID-19 test will not be accepted for entry into the stadium.”
