TAMPA, Florida – The New Orleans Saints is again facing punishment for violations of NFL policies on COVID-19 that may have contributed to one of its supporters becoming infected, and the punishment is likely to be the greatest for its third offense, say sources.
Running back Alvin Kamara tested positive for COVID-19 and lost the week 17 team game after an interaction on the premises with a non-club employee who tested positive – a violation captured in surveillance video obtained by the NFL, by sources .
Several other Saints running backs also missed the week 17 game because they were considered close contacts at high risk, and Kamara was only able to return to the wild card round because of a favorable scheduling decision.
The Saints were previously fined $ 250,000 and coach Sean Payton $ 100,000 for not wearing facial covers in week 2. The NFL also fined the team $ 500,000 and took a choice in the seventh round for an unmasked celebration after his victory in week 9.
Although the discipline in this case has not yet been finalized – and could be reduced if the Saints issued fines internally to the offenders – it may end up including multiple and / or larger withdrawal choices and an even larger fine.
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