The league announced that Antonio Brown had been suspended for three games for violating the COVID-19 protocols.
The league and players' union found that Brown was one of three players who lied about their vaccinations. A former personal chef of Brown's said earlier this month that the wide receiver had obtained a fake vaccine.
The three games suspended for were backup safety Mike Edwards, free-agent wide receiver John Franklin III, and the Buccaneers. The three players accepted their punishments and will not appeal.
The suspensions of Brown and Edwards are not paid. Both will be allowed to return to the lineup for the game against Carolina.
The league and players' union emphasize the importance of strict adherence to the protocols to protect the well-being of everyone associated with the league.
Brown was not expected to play in the next two games due to an ankle and heel injury that has kept him out since Week 7, according to a source.
Brown's girlfriend, model Cydney Moreau, reached out to Steven Ruiz over the summer to get a fake vaccination card. After he was unable to get a fake card for Brown, he said the wide receiver showed him the ones he had for himself and Moreau.
Brown obtained his fake vaccine card from a teammate, according to Ruiz. The other player was not named.
Sean Burstyn denied that Brown obtained a fake vaccine card.
The team did its due diligence in vetting player's vaccine cards, according to the coach, who said he really doesn't think it's a story.
The League's timely handling of this matter and the importance of the health and safety protocols that have been established are appreciated by us. The Buccaneers said in a statement that they will continue to implement all league COVID-19 protocols.
