Packers, Rodgers Fined After COVID-19 Protocol Violation

GREEN BAY, WI — The NFL fined the Green Bay Packers, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Allen Lazard for COVID-19 violations on Tuesday.

The Packers would have to pay $300,000 to the league, while Rodgers and Lazard were both fined $14,560 for violating league protocols, NFL Vice President of Communications Brian McCarthy told USA Today.

The league found that Rodgers and Lazard consistently did not wear masks in the team facility and attended a Halloween party without masks, in violation of rules for unvaccinated members, USA Today reported.

Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19 on Nov. 3.

Rodgers petitioned the NFL to let him play on the vaccinated players list, but the league denied the request, ESPN reported.

The quarterback said he was "immunized" against the virus at a news conference in August.

Rodgers claimed he was allergic to an ingredient in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in an interview with Pat McAfee Friday, and said he consulted podcast host Joe Rogan for medical advice.

The COVID-19 vaccines are effective at helping protect everyone ages 5 and older against severe disease and death from coronavirus, as well as helping prevent infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

"I made some comments that people felt were misleading," Rodgers said in another appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday. "To anybody who felt mislead by those comments, I take full responsibility."

There was a "small possibility" that the quarterback wouldn't be able to play with the team against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Rodgers said Tuesday.