NFL fines coaches for failing to comply with COVID-19 rules

This is a Public Service announcement: COVID-19 is still an imminent threat. But, just in case you had forgotten, I’d like to remind you that we’re still living through a pandemic. Apparently some National Football League coaches have decided that this pandemic is over.

On Monday, the NFL handed out hefty fines to Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and Denver Broncos coach Vic Fangio $100,000 each for refusing to wear a mask on the sidelines during their respective games this past Sunday. The NFL also fined the three teams $25,000.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton became the NFL’s next culprits as ESPN cameras caught both of them not wearing their masks numerous times during their Monday Night Football matchup. However, the ESPN broadcasters decided to throw Gruden under the bus by acknowledging that Gruden wasn’t wearing his mask on the sidelines. Gruden is a former ESPN employee.

I applaud the NFL for enforcing their COVID-19 safety protocols. According to USA Today, NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent sent out a memo to all 32 teams reminding them of the mask requirement in light of the coronavirus pandemic. If you thought the NFL only sent out that memo as a formality, think again.

It’s also worth noting that just because a person coaches an NFL franchise doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re immune to the coronavirus; they’re just as human as everybody else. Also, by not wearing a mask, head coaches endanger players, assistant coaches and other personnel who may be immunocompromised.

Look, I get it. Wearing a mask is uncomfortable and can feel restraining. For reference, just ask Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid whose mask fogged up during his team’s opening matchup.

But on a more serious note, coaches, please wear your mask. I understand that you’re allowed to take them off when calling plays but after that, please return it to its rightful place (over your mouth AND nose). If you don’t want to do it for yourself, do it for your team. If you don’t want to do it for your team, do it for America.

America needs the NFL. The NFL needs America. A COVID-19 outbreak can seriously jeopardize the season and most importantly, millions of dollars lost in revenue for having to cancel multiple games.

Coaches, yes you’re the “man” on your respective team, but this COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t care about you, about me or about anyone. We’re all potentially exposed to it any given time that we decide to step outside our homes. Our chances of contracting coronavirus only exponentially increase when we refuse to wear masks.

So please, help us stop the spread of COVID-19 in the United States by wearing your mask, as uncomfortable and restraining as it may be.