NFL News: Three Coaches Fined For Not Following League Policy On Wearing Face Masks

The NFL has slapped hefty fines on three teams and coaches for breaking league policy regarding the usage of face masks on the sidelines.

The Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers each are asked to pay a $250,000 fine as respective coaches Vic Fangio, Pete Carroll, and Kyle Shanahan each turned $100,000 poorer for not following a memo sent just days into the start of the new season, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

In order to address the NFL-NFLPA Game Day protocol, Troy Vincent, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, asked the distribution of a memo to all head coaches, general managers, and athletic trainers on Sept. 14, stressing the need to wear face masks for those manning the sidelines.

“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,” the memo stated.

"The NFL-NFLPA Game Day Protocols, which reflects the advice of infectious disease experts, club medical staff, and local and state governmental regulations requires all individuals with bench area (including coaches and members of the club medical staff) to wear face coverings at all times.

“Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in accountability measures being imposed against offending individuals and/or clubs.

“The face-covering must be worn as designed so that it securely fits across the wearer’s nose and mouth to prevent the transmission of the virus.”

Under the rules, coaches opting to wear neck gaiter and/or face shield will be allowed.

The league memo being sent appeared to be triggered by several coaches seen pulling down their face masks regularly during games in the first week.

Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio stated in the previous report that the NFL is serious about imposing penalties to violators as the league underlined the potential consequences if the existing deficiencies are not solved by the “remedy.”

“The ultimate consequence to the league would be an outbreak of the virus. That’s what the league is trying to avoid,” Florio wrote. “Ensuring that everyone who is required to wear a mask does so properly will go a long way toward keeping the NFL from postponing or canceling games.”

Besides the mentioned names, the NFL is also expected to fine New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden for breaking the same memo during Monday night’s game, Florio reports.