Superstar wide receiver Antonio Brown is among three Tampa Bay Buccaneers players who were suspended for violating the NFL-NFLPA COVID-19 protocols.
In addition to Brown, Buccaneers backup safety Mike Edwards and free-agent wide receiver John Franklin III (who was waived by Tampa Bay in August), were suspended three games for misrepresenting their vaccination status. Brown and Edwards have been suspended without pay.
Brown's suspension comes two weeks after his former personal chef claimed he obtained a fake vaccination card over the summer. According to screenshots of an alleged text conversation with Brown's girlfriend, Cydney Moreau, Steven Ruiz said he 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. Brown and his girlfriend denied the allegations.
"We appreciate the League's timely handling of this matter and recognize the importance of the health and safety protocols that have been established. We will continue to implement all league COVID-19 protocols," the Buccaneers said in a statement Thursday.
Brown and Edwards are eligible to return for Tampa Bay's game against the Caroline Panthers on Dec. 26. The NFL also announced that all three players will not appeal their suspensions.
Source: ESPN
