NFL reportedly fines 3 coaches for not wearing masks during games

Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks runs with the ball against Ja'Whaun Bentley #51 of the New England Patriots in the first quarter at CenturyLink Field on September 20, 2020 in Seattl
(Image credit: Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

The NFL is reportedly hitting three coaches who didn't wear masks during games and their teams with over $1 million in fines.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio, and San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan have each been fined $100,000 for not wearing face coverings during games on Sunday, CNN reports. The three teams are reportedly also each being fined $250,000.

NFL executive Troy Vincent had reportedly warned of potential fines in a recent memo, in which he stressed that "all individuals with bench area access (including coaches and members of the club medical staff)" must "wear face coverings at all times" in response to coaches being seen not doing so.

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"We must remain vigilant and disciplined in following the processes and protocols put in place by not only the league, union and clubs, but also by state and local governments," Vincent reportedly said in the memo.

ESPN reports that "more fines could be coming," as other coaches, including New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden, have not worn masks during games well. Gruden reportedly said on Monday that he previously had COVID-19 and that "I just wanna communicate in these situations, and if I get fined, I'll have to pay the fine, but I'm very sensitive about that and I apologize."

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.