A former live-in chef claims Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination card in order to avoid NFL protocols.

According to screenshots of an alleged text conversation with Brown's girlfriend, Cydney Moreau, Steven Ruiz was approached with a $500 offer if he could obtain a Johnson & Johnson vaccination card for the star receiver. Ruiz claims Brown wanted a Johnson & Johnson card because it only requires one shot which creates less paperwork.

The Los Angeles chef, who owns Taste ThatLA, also claims Brown owes him $10,000 and is going public after talks with Brown's lawyer were unsuccessful.

According to Ruiz, Brown expressed his hesitation to get vaccinated due to the possible negative effects the vaccine could have on his body. Ruiz was unable to obtain a fake vaccination card but recalled Brown showing him fake cards that he obtained for himself and Moreau weeks later. Ruiz also says he witnessed trainer Alex Guerro take photos of Brown's vaccination card to send to the Bucs' head trainer Bobby Slater and the team's infection control officer. Ruiz added that he believes Guerrero didn't know the card was fake.

The alleged text conversation is dated July 2nd and it's unknown if Brown has been vaccinated since then. Brown's lawyer claims his client has been vaccinated and "appreciates the severity of the pandemic."

Brown was infected with the COVID-19 virus and missed the Bucs' Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Rams. While players who are vaccinated can return to work if they are asymptomatic and pass two COVID-19 tests 24 hours apart, Brown underwent the same 10-day waiting period imposed on unvaccinated players who test positive for the virus. Unvaccinated players also face stricter protocols, such as social distancing and wearing a mask at all times.

NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said players or personnel who attempt to use fake cards are subject to discipline under the league's personal conduct policy. They're also at risk of fines and up to five years in prison.

Look above to view the alleged text conversation.

Source: Tampa Bay Times