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NFL threatens teams not following COVID mask rule, as Tennessee Titans deal with Covid outbreak

October 1, 2020

Minneapolis MN: Tennessee Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton (26) looks on before the start of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020.

The NFL is upset with owners and coaches who refuse to follow their new mask rule. The league made it clear a few weeks ago that all coaches on sidelines must wear masks during games or face a penalty.

But just weeks since the league gave the go-ahead for teams to resume play, the league has fined several coaches for not abiding by the rules. The Las Vegas Raiders’ Jon Gruden, New Orleans Saints’ Sean Payton, Denver Broncos’ Vic Fangio, Seattle Seahawks’ Pete Carroll, and San Francisco 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan, have all been docked $100,000 for not wearing their masks.

Seattle, WA: Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll wears a mask as players take the field at CenturyLink Field for a mock game, August 22. Bettina Hansen / The Seattle Times

Their respective teams were hit with a $250,000 fine as well. According to sources, since the fines don’t appear to be enough of a deterrent, the league is ready to take a step further in enforcing the mask rule. Taking a hard stance, the NFL is prepared to take away draft picks from teams that continue to defy the mandate, and possibly handout suspensions to coaches.

Meanwhile, this week’s Tennessee Titans/Pittsburgh Steelers game was postponed because the Titans had a COVID outbreak. Rookie cornerback Kristian Fulton was among those who tested positive for the virus.